Policy Town Planner - Principal & Associate

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consultancy is seeking Principal and Associate level Policy Planners to manage planning policy assignments and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidates will work on strategic planning and policy development, advising clients across various sectors in the UK. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and excellent career development opportunities. Ideal for those looking to make an impactful contribution to urban development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and profit share

Private medical insurance

Flexible benefits for wellbeing

Excellent career development

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or Geography.
• MRTPI qualified with strong UK planning knowledge.
• Experience in preparing policy documents.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning policy assignments and client relationships.
• Lead preparation of Local Plans and policy documents.
• Support business development and strategic opportunities.

Skills

Understanding of UK planning legislation

Report writing skills

Client communication

Project management

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

MRTPI qualification

Job description

Policy Town Planners - Principal & Associate

Location: Anywhere in the UK

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading global consultancy as they continue to grow their UK town planning capability. We are currently recruiting Principal and Associate level Policy Planners to join a well-established national team working at the forefront of planning policy, strategic planning and placemaking.

This opportunity sits within a highly respected Cities, Planning and Design practice that advises on some of the most high‑profile and complex planning challenges in the UK. The team plays a key role in supporting the Government's growth agenda, shaping policy frameworks, and delivering long‑term strategies that enable sustainable development and inclusive decision‑making.

The successful candidates will work on a diverse portfolio of projects for central government, local and devolved authorities, developers and infrastructure providers. Current work includes supporting local plan reform, contributing to digital planning initiatives, preparing policy evidence bases, and developing masterplans, strategies and governance frameworks for major growth locations and new settlements.

The Role

At Principal or Associate level, you will take responsibility for managing planning policy assignments, leading client relationships and coordinating multidisciplinary teams. You will work closely with specialists across planning, urban design, infrastructure, economics and sustainability to deliver integrated, high‑quality advice.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing planning policy and strategic planning commissions
• Advising clients on planning policy at national, regional and local levels
• Leading the preparation of Local Plans, policy documents and evidence bases
• Working with public and private sector clients on growth strategies and delivery models
• Managing client relationships and representing the business at meetings
• Supporting business development, bids and strategic opportunities
• Contributing to the growth and profile of the planning team

About You

• Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline (e.g. Geography)
• MRTPI qualified
• Strong understanding of UK planning legislation and policy
• Experience preparing planning policy documents and advising clients
• Confident communicator with excellent report writing skills
• Commercial awareness and experience managing projects profitably

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and profit share
• Hybrid and flexible working from offices across the UK
• Private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection
• Flexible benefits supporting wellbeing and work‑life balance
• Excellent career development and progression opportunities

This is a standout opportunity for experienced Policy Planners looking to progress their careers within a values‑driven, collaborative consultancy that is directly shaping the future of towns, cities and regions across the UK.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)