Planner / Senior Planner in Bedford)

Penguin Recruitment; Bedford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected planning consultancy in Bedford is looking for a Senior Town Planner to manage projects and contribute to a friendly team. The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in town planning and MRTPI status. Responsibilities include preparing planning applications, managing client relationships, and engaging with stakeholders. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional growth within a supportive environment that values expertise and client satisfaction.

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance-related bonus

Flexible / hybrid working arrangements

Excellent progression opportunities

Company pension scheme

Strong workload with a loyal client base

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in town planning (consultancy or local authority).
• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and legislation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and managing planning applications, appeals and supporting documents.
• Leading on site appraisals, planning strategies and policy review.
• Managing client relationships and delivering high-quality planning advice.
• Engaging with local authorities, stakeholders and consultants.
• Contributing to business development and maintaining strong client links.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Report writing

Communication skills

Client management

Proactive approach

Education

MRTPI status (or close to chartership)

Job description

Senior Town Planner

Location: Bedford

Penguin Recruitment are delighted to be supporting a respected and growing planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Town Planner to join their Bedford office. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner to step into a key role within a friendly, forward-thinking team known for delivering high-quality planning advice across residential, mixed-use and commercial sectors.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements
• Excellent progression opportunities within an established and well-respected team
• Company pension scheme
• Strong workload with a loyal client base and varied project pipeline

The Role

As a Senior Town Planner, you will manage your own portfolio of projects while supporting senior team members on major and strategic schemes. You'll work across all stages of the planning process, from initial appraisals through to application preparation, stakeholder engagement, and appeals.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, managing clients, and contributing to a growing consultancy where your voice and expertise will be valued.

Key responsibilities

• Preparing and managing planning applications, appeals and supporting documents
• Leading on site appraisals, planning strategies and policy review
• Managing client relationships and delivering high-quality planning advice
• Engaging with local authorities, stakeholders and consultants
• Supporting junior colleagues where required
• Contributing to business development and maintaining strong client links

About You

We are seeking an experienced Senior Town Planner who is commercially aware, confident, and able to deliver high-quality work independently.

Requirements

• Relevant experience in town planning (consultancy or local authority)
• MRTPI status (or close to chartership)
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and legislation
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Client-facing confidence with a proactive approach

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a respected consultancy offering real autonomy, career development and a strong project pipeline.

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