Principal Planner

ZipRecruiter; Hitchin; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected planning consultancy is seeking a Principal Planner to manage a variety of planning projects, offering opportunities for career advancement to Associate Planner. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively. The position offers a hybrid working arrangement and a supportive team environment. Benefits include competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development support.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Performance-based bonus scheme

Employer pension contribution (3%)

RTPI subscription and CPD support

Dog-friendly office

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in planning.
• Full, clean driving license or ability to travel independently.
• Experience in public or private sector planning.

Responsibilities

• Managing planning projects from inception to completion.
• Preparing and submitting planning applications.
• Advising on planning conditions and enforcement matters.
• Providing expert planning advice to clients.
• Supporting business development through networking.

Skills

Attention to detail

Excellent written communication

Budget management

Collaborative mindset

Education

Progress toward RTPI Chartered Membership

Tools

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Tate is supporting Hertfordshire's Barker Parry with their expansion to help meet nationwide demand on Town Planning projects, whilst furthering career progression for accomplished Town Planners.

Principal Planner – Progression Opportunity to Associate Planner

Tate is delighted to be partnering with Barker Parry Town Planning, a respected consultancy with over 30 years of experience delivering clear, honest, and practical planning advice. With a strong presence across the Home Counties and Greater London, Barker Parry continues to grow in response to increasing demand for strategic planning expertise.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Town Planner to join a collaborative and forward-thinking team. The Principal Planner role offers exposure to a wide variety of projects and a clear pathway to Associate Planner for the right candidate.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be capable of managing planning projects from inception to completion. Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and submitting planning applications for developments from minor to major scale
• Advising on planning conditions, appeals, and enforcement matters
• Promoting sites through Local Plans and attending examinations
• Providing expert planning advice and representing clients at public forums
• Supporting business development through networking and contributing to the company’s online presence

We are seeking a Planner who brings:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in either the public or private sector
• Strong attention to detail and excellent written communication skills
• Confidence in managing budgets and prioritising workload
• A collaborative mindset and high personal integrity
• A full, clean driving licence (or ability to travel independently)
• Progress toward RTPI Chartered Membership

Desirable additional attributes:

• Access to a car for site visits
• Experience with 5-year land supply assessments
• Proficiency in Excel
• RTPI Chartered Membership

Benefits of working with Barker Parry:

• Competitive salary (please discuss with us privately)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service (up to 30 days)
• Additional leave between Christmas and New Year
• Hybrid working - please note office days will be in Hitchin SG5
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Employer pension contribution (3%)
• RTPI subscription and CPD support (up to 2 days annually)
• Free on-site parking
• Dog-friendly, modern open-plan office with kitchen and breakout spaces
• Supportive and friendly working environment in a town centre location
• Clear, bespoke career progression in a flatter organisation with less hierarchy

Barker Parry and Tate are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process to ensure accessibility for all applicants.