Assocaite Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in South Manchester seeks a Senior or Associate Planner with expertise in strategic planning and Green Belt sites. The role requires managing complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and liaising with clients and stakeholders. A competitive salary and hybrid working model are offered for this permanent role.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Full administrative and project support

Professional development and CPD opportunities

Collaborative work culture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in planning.
• Demonstrable experience with Green Belt and strategic land planning.
• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning appraisals from start to finish.
• Develop tailored planning strategies for various projects.
• Supervise and support junior staff.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Problem Solving

Education

MRTPI Chartered status

Job description

Senior / Associate Planner - Strategic & Green Belt Specialist
Location: South Manchester (Hybrid Working: 3-4 days office, 1-2 days home/site)
Salary: Circa 45,000 DOE + Performance Bonus
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Chartered Status (MRTPI): Essential

An established and forward-thinking planning consultancy in South Manchester is looking for a Senior or Associate Planner to join their growing and ambitious team. Representing our client - a respected name in the rural and strategic planning sector - we are seeking a highly skilled planner with a strong track record of success, particularly in Green Belt sites and strategic planning.

This role will suit someone who is technically astute, commercially aware, and driven to lead complex projects from end to end.

The Opportunity

As a key member of the planning team, you will take ownership of a varied and challenging portfolio of rural, residential, and commercial schemes, often involving sensitive or high-stakes Green Belt locations. You will have the opportunity to shape strategy, mentor junior staff, and work closely with clients to help unlock land potential and deliver exceptional planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning appraisals, applications, and appeals from start to finish

• Develop tailored planning strategies for a range of rural and strategic land projects

• Liaise with clients, local authorities, stakeholders, and consultants to drive progress

• Supervise and support a Graduate Planner and Assistant Project Manager

• Use digital tools and CRM systems to maintain high project and client standards

• Problem-solve creatively and effectively under pressure

About You

• MRTPI Chartered (or eligible)

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in planning

• Demonstrable experience with Green Belt and strategic land planning

• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills

• Capable of working independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Strong project management and organisational skills

• Enthusiastic, professional, and client-focused

• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced consultancy environment

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary (circa 45,000 depending on experience)

• Performance-related bonus scheme (post-probation)

• Hybrid working with a mix of office, site, and home-based flexibility

• Full administrative and project support

• Professional development and CPD opportunities

• A collaborative and modern work culture

This is a fantastic opportunity for a committed planner looking to take a step up, make an impact, and grow within a respected and agile planning consultancy.

Interested?

Contact Sofia Conte (url removed) or call (phone number removed). We have many more vacancies available on our website.

This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position