Associate Town Planner in Exeter)

Penguin Recruitment; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent planning consultancy in Exeter is seeking an experienced Associate Town Planner. This role involves managing complex planning projects, leading client meetings, and mentoring junior team members. The ideal candidate will be MRTPI-qualified with a solid background in consultancy and a strong understanding of the UK planning system. The company offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and excellent career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Excellent progression opportunities

Ongoing professional training and development

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing planning projects.
• Strong understanding of planning policy and applications.
• Confident communicator with collaborative approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver planning projects from inception to completion.
• Lead client meetings and represent clients at planning committees.
• Prepare and review planning statements and applications.
• Provide strategic advice to clients and colleagues.
• Mentor and support junior planners.
• Contribute to business development.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Understanding of UK planning system

Report writing

Presentation skills

Leadership

Education

MRTPI-qualified

Job description

Associate Town Planner

Location: Exeter

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Town Planner to join their established team in Exeter.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented and ambitious planning professional to step into a senior role within a respected consultancy known for delivering expert advice and high quality planning outcomes across residential, commercial, mixed use, and strategic land projects. The successful Associate Town Planner will play a key part in shaping the firm's continued growth in the South West.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Exposure to a diverse range of planning projects
• Supportive, friendly, and collaborative team environment
• Excellent progression opportunities within an expanding consultancy
• Ongoing professional training and development

The Role

As an Associate Town Planner, you'll take the lead on complex projects, manage client relationships, and support the wider team in delivering planning applications, appeals, and strategic advice. You'll work closely with directors to identify new opportunities and contribute to the business's development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and deliver a wide variety of planning projects from inception to completion
• Lead client meetings and represent clients at planning committees and public consultations
• Prepare and review planning statements, applications, and appeal submissions
• Provide strategic and policy advice to clients and colleagues
• Mentor and support junior planners within the team
• Contribute to business development and maintain strong professional networks

About You

We're looking for a commercially minded Associate Town Planner with proven experience managing projects and clients. You'll have a strong understanding of the UK planning system and a track record of delivering positive planning outcomes.

Requirements:

• MRTPI-qualified with relevant planning experience
• Background in consultancy or private sector planning
• Excellent understanding of planning policy, applications, and appeals
• Confident communicator with strong report writing and presentation skills
• Proven leadership and project management abilities
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify and win new work
• Motivated, organised, and collaborative in approach

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected consultancy offering autonomy, flexibility, and a supportive environment to further your career. You'll have the chance to work on high profile projects while helping shape the continued success of a leading planning practice.

If you are interested in this Associate Town Planner position, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.