Principal Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Bourne End; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead complex planning projects and provide expert advice within a dynamic consultancy. This role offers the chance to influence planning strategies, mentor junior staff, and work on diverse projects across various sectors. The successful candidate will enjoy a supportive team environment, competitive salary, and attractive benefits, including a bonus scheme and private health insurance. If you are passionate about town planning and looking for a leadership role, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Car allowance

Increased annual leave for long service

Private health insurance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Chartered RTPI member with a degree in Planning or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in planning consultancy or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex planning projects and provide expert advice.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to business development.
• Liaise with stakeholders and oversee planning applications.

Skills

UK planning legislation knowledge

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Planning or related discipline

Chartered Member of the RTPI

Job description

Job Title: Principal Town Planner
Location: Bourne End, Buckinghamshire
Salary: Competitive, plus benefits including bonus scheme, car allowance, increased annual leave for long service, and private health insurance
Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Flexible Working: 3 days office-based, 2 days remote. Flexible start/finish hours.

About the Company:
A well-established and highly regarded Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy is seeking a skilled and experienced Principal Town Planner to join their team. With a strong track record in securing planning permissions, they work across a range of sectors including commercial and residential development. Their clients include major hotel, restaurant, and coffee shop groups, housebuilders, land promoters, breweries, banks, sports and leisure operators, retailers, property developers, and private healthcare organisations, as well as public sector clients.

Role Overview:
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced town planning professional to take on a leadership role within a dynamic consultancy. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing complex planning projects, providing expert advice, and mentoring junior staff while actively contributing to business development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide expert planning advice to clients and colleagues, ensuring compliance with planning policies and legislation.
2. Oversee and manage complex planning applications, appeals, and development proposals.
3. Prepare detailed planning appraisals, statements, and appeal documents.
4. Lead client meetings, planning committees, and public consultation events.
5. Liaise with local authorities, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to navigate planning processes effectively.
6. Support and mentor junior staff, delegating tasks to promote team development.
7. Take an active role in business development by identifying new opportunities and securing new instructions.
8. Attend networking events and contribute to marketing and promotional initiatives.
9. Maintain accurate records, forecasts, and reports on project progress.

Key Skills & Experience:

1. Chartered Member of the RTPI.
2. Degree in Planning or a related discipline.
3. Significant experience in a planning consultancy or similar role (typically 5+ years).
4. Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, NPPF, and Planning Practice Guidance.
5. Proven track record of successfully managing planning applications and appeals.
6. Ability to provide strategic advice on planning matters and manage stakeholder relationships.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong negotiation abilities.
8. Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and work collaboratively within a team.

Why Apply?

Lead and influence planning strategies within a respected consultancy.

Work on diverse and high-profile projects across multiple sectors.

Join a supportive and sociable team with opportunities for professional growth.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested?
Contact Sofia Conte (url removed) or call (phone number removed). We have many more vacancies available on our website.

This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position.