Principal Planner

Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd; Derby; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Derby is seeking a dynamic Principal Planner to lead planning on major UK infrastructure projects. This permanent, full-time role involves shaping projects and mentoring teams, with opportunities to influence systems development and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field, over 7 years' experience in infrastructure planning, and strong leadership and communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

A competitive salary reflective of experience

Opportunities for progression

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' experience in infrastructure or development planning.
• Experience across NSIP, S.37 or TCPA applications.
• Familiarity with CDM, DCO process, and key policy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning input on NSIP, S.37, and DCO infrastructure schemes.
• Coordinate with design, survey, GIS, and engineering teams.
• Manage planning schedules, client correspondence, and commercial elements.

Skills

Strong communication

Leadership

Report-writing

GIS knowledge

Education

Degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental Science or related subject

Master's preferred

Tools

ESRI GIS tools

Job description

Consortium Professional Recruitment is excited to be partnering with our client in the search for a Principal Planner. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead planning on major UK infrastructure projects, including nationally significant schemes, with a highly regarded consultancy.

Based in Derby, this is a high-profile role with the opportunity to take ownership of planning workstreams across a range of engineering-led, multi-disciplinary projects. From feasibility through to examination and beyond, you will play a key role in shaping projects and mentoring teams, with opportunities to influence systems development, GIS integration, and stakeholder engagement.

This is a permanent, full-time role offering a mix of office-based, client-facing, and site-related work. We are looking for a dynamic and proactive professional with the vision and leadership to drive projects forward and shape planning outcomes from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead planning input on NSIP, S.37, and DCO infrastructure schemes
• Coordinate with design, survey, GIS, and engineering teams to support delivery
• Manage planning schedules, client correspondence, and commercial elements
• Represent clients at meetings, workshops, consultations, and hearings
• Mentor and support junior staff, providing guidance on planning procedures
• Develop GIS-based planning workflows and help embed best practice

Key Requirements:

• Degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental Science or related subject (Master's preferred)
• Minimum 7 years' experience in infrastructure or development planning
• Experience across NSIP, S.37 or TCPA applications
• Familiarity with CDM, DCO process, and key policy frameworks
• Strong communication, leadership, and report-writing skills
• Knowledge of ESRI GIS tools and multi-disciplinary project environments

Salary & Benefits:

• A competitive salary, reflective of experience and leadership capabilities
• Varied project portfolio across nationally significant schemes
• Opportunities for progression, mentoring, and influence
• Collaborative, supportive planning and engineering environment

Consortium Professional Recruitment Ltd are a professional-level recruitment consultancy specialising in the delivery of high-relevance recruitment services on behalf of our clients across the UK. We regularly receive large responses to our advertising, which can make providing individual feedback to every applicant challenging. If you haven't received a reply from us within 14 days of your application, we regret to say your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We have a policy of retaining your details for future vacancies unless you request otherwise.