Principal Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in the Utilities and Infrastructure sector is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead a team and oversee complex projects. This role offers an opportunity for professional growth in a forward-thinking organisation with excellent benefits, including flexible working policies and an annual bonus scheme.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

25 days holiday + birthday off

Private healthcare & Vitality membership

Flexible working and family-friendly policies

Life insurance (4x salary)

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Subsidised gym & cycle to work scheme

Paid parental leave

Free on-site parking at non-city centre offices

Qualifications

• Strong experience in handling complex planning applications.
• Proficiency in preparing planning statements and reports.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead on planning strategy and manage a small planning team.
• Prepare planning statements and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Ensure client-facing support meets deadlines and quality.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Communication skills

GIS knowledge

Education

MRTPI Chartered or close to submission

Job description

Job Title: Principal Town Planner
Locations: Thetford | Stamford | Leatherhead | Bicester | Btistol

Are you an experienced Principal Town Planner ready to take on a leadership role in a fast-paced, project-driven environment? We are working exclusively with a well-respected consultancy operating at the forefront of the Utilities and Infrastructure sector, supporting the UK and Ireland’s journey to Net Zero.

This firm is expanding its Environmental and Planning team and is looking to appoint a commercially-minded Principal Planner to oversee the delivery of complex planning projects across multiple sectors, from capital schemes to property portfolio appraisals.

The Opportunity

As Principal Planner, you’ll lead or manage a small planning team and work across a range of exciting utility and infrastructure projects. You’ll be trusted to provide technical planning guidance, drive environmental assessments, and liaise with clients, local authorities, and technical specialists to secure consents and deliver excellent results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on planning strategy, deliverables, and applications for sites of varying environmental sensitivities.
• Manage and mentor a small sub-team, fostering development and collaboration.
• Prepare planning statements, screening/scoping reports, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide client-facing support, ensuring deadlines, quality, and commercial objectives are met.
• Support wider business development through cross-functional collaboration and identifying new service opportunities.
• Engage in CPD and maintain your MRTPI chartership (if not already attained).
• Provide constructive line management where applicable.

About You

• MRTPI Chartered or close to submission
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to negotiate and influence.
• Experienced in complex planning applications and environmental planning.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Confident in preparing fee proposals and advising on wider project scopes.
• GIS knowledge and an understanding of key environmental disciplines is a plus.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape your future with a forward-thinking organisation that offers:

• Annual bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday + your birthday off
• Private healthcare & Vitality membership
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Life insurance (4x salary)
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Subsidised gym & cycle to work scheme
• Paid parental leave

Free on-site parking is available at all non-city centre offices.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792 362 010 or [e-mail]