Principal / Associate Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Diverse project portfolio

Client relationships

Business development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd in Cardiff is seeking an experienced Principal Town Planner to lead major development projects and shape planning strategies across Wales. The role offers senior responsibility, client liaison, and opportunities to drive business development within a forward-thinking consultancy.

You will manage complex applications, mentor junior staff, and contribute to a diverse portfolio spanning residential, commercial, and mixed-use schemes.

Qualifications

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Chartered MRTPI is highly desirable.
• Significant experience within a planning consultancy, local authority or similar development environment.
• A strong understanding of the UK planning system, with knowledge of Welsh planning policy and legislation particularly advantageous.
• Proven experience managing complex planning applications and providing strategic planning advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear, commercially focused recommendations.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• The confidence to develop and maintain relationships with clients, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach with the ability to identify solutions to challenging planning issues.
• Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to business development would be advantageous.

Skills

Strong communication

Project management

Client relationship management

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related

MRTPI (desirable)

Job description

Job Title: Principal Town Planner

Ref: BM367

Location: Cardiff

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (dependent on experience)

Are you an experienced Town Planner ready to take the next step in your career and play a leading role in delivering exciting development projects? This is a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and forward-thinking planning consultancy in Cardiff, working with a diverse range of clients and helping shape development across Wales and beyond.

Benefits for the role of Principal Town Planner include:

• Competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000, dependent on experience
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development
• A varied portfolio of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects
• Greater responsibility for project delivery and client relationships
• The opportunity to contribute to business development and consultancy growth
• A collaborative working environment with scope to share knowledge and develop junior colleagues
• The chance to work on projects that contribute to the future development of Cardiff and the wider Welsh region

Requirements for the role of Principal Town Planner:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) is highly desirable
• Significant experience within a planning consultancy, local authority or similar development environment
• A strong understanding of the UK planning system, with knowledge of Welsh planning policy and legislation particularly advantageous
• Proven experience managing complex planning applications and providing strategic planning advice
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear, commercially focused recommendations
• Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously
• The confidence to develop and maintain relationships with clients, local authorities and other key stakeholders
• A proactive, commercially minded approach with the ability to identify solutions to challenging planning issues
• Experience mentoring colleagues and contributing to business development would be advantageous

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Principal Town Planner to take on a senior position within a growing planning consultancy in Cardiff. You will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, influence planning strategies and build strong client relationships, while playing an important role in the continued success of the business. For a planner looking for greater autonomy, professional recognition and the chance to make a real difference, this could be a particularly exciting next step.