Graduate Planning Manager/ Planner

Penguin Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established residential developer in Hillingdon seeks a Planning Manager. This role is perfect for a planner with 2-4 years of experience looking to shift to a developer-side position. Key responsibilities include managing planning applications, collaborating with stakeholders, and contributing to planning strategies. Candidates should have a degree in town planning and strong knowledge of UK planning policies. Competitive salary offered along with career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Collaborative working environment

Involvement in varied residential developments

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in planning (consultancy, developer, or local authority).
• Strong understanding of UK planning processes.
• RTPI membership or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage planning applications.
• Liaise with consultants and local authorities.
• Contribute to planning strategy for new land opportunities.
• Monitor local plans and policy changes.
• Assist with appeals and public consultations.

Skills

Understanding of UK planning policy

Excellent communication skills

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Degree in town planning or related field

Job description

Planning Manager

Location: Hillingdon

Penguin Recruitment is supporting a well established residential developer in their search for a Planning Manager to join their team in Hillingdon. This is a great opportunity for a town planner with 2-4 years of experience in consultancy, client-side or local authority environments to take a step into a commercially focused, developer-side role.

About the Role

As a Planning Manager, you'll work closely with the land and development teams to assess planning potential, submit and manage planning applications, and help drive the delivery of new residential schemes across the region. You will support site promotion strategies, manage external consultants, and assist with appeals and planning negotiations.

This role is ideal for a planner who understands the development process and is eager to gain more exposure to the commercial aspects of land and planning.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, manage, and coordinate planning applications
• Liaise with consultants, local authorities, and internal stakeholders
• Contribute to the planning strategy for new land opportunities
• Monitor and respond to emerging local plans and policy changes
• Assist with appeals, public consultations, and planning committees

Requirements

• 2-4 years of experience in planning (consultancy, developer, or local authority)
• Degree and/or master's in town planning or related field (RTPI accredited)
• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and development processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• RTPI membership or working towards it

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• A collaborative and commercially focused working environment
• Involvement in a wide range of residential developments
• Career progression opportunities and professional support

To apply or find out more, contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.

Application deadline: 8 January 2026.