Principal Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Leeds seeks a Senior / Principal Planner to join their expanding team. The role involves delivering strategic planning projects with a focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development. Candidates should have a relevant Planning qualification, RTPI membership or be working towards it, and a strong understanding of the UK planning system. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered along with opportunities for career progression in a supportive culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Private medical cover

Payment of relevant professional subscriptions

Hybrid and agile working

Opportunity to work on diverse projects

Clear scope for career progression

Supportive culture built on trust and collaboration

Qualifications

• A relevant Planning qualification.
• RTPI membership (or working towards it).
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development management process.
• Excellent written skills with high attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with a professional, approachable manner.
• Proactive, enthusiastic and a strong team player.

Responsibilities

• Advising on the development potential of land and buildings.
• Assisting in the preparation and management of planning applications and appeals.
• Providing planning policy advice and undertaking research.
• Drafting representations to Local Plan consultations and examinations.
• Supporting the identification and promotion of land opportunities.
• Working collaboratively with clients, local authorities and external consultants.
• Supporting business development and client relationship management.
• Involvement in Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations where required.

Skills

Planning qualification

RTPI membership (or working towards it)

Strong understanding of the UK planning system

Excellent written skills

Confident communicator

Proactive and strong team player

Education

Relevant Planning qualification

Job description

Job Title: Senior / Principal Planner

Location: Leeds

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading, fast‑growing planning consultancy in the appointment of a Senior / Principal Planner to join their expanding Leeds team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take the next step in their career within a well‑established, multi‑disciplinary consultancy that has seen significant growth across the UK in recent years.

The Role

You will join a collaborative planning team delivering strategic planning projects, with a strong focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development. The role offers exposure to a wide range of schemes and the chance to work closely with in‑house specialists in development economics, design, heritage and masterplanning.

This position would suit either:

• An experienced Planner ready to step up and help lead major projects,
• A Senior Planner looking to broaden their experience and influence regional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on the development potential of land and buildings
• Assisting in the preparation and management of planning applications and appeals
• Providing planning policy advice and undertaking research
• Drafting representations to Local Plan consultations and examinations
• Supporting the identification and promotion of land opportunities
• Working collaboratively with clients, local authorities and external consultants
• Supporting business development and client relationship management
• Involvement in Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations where required

About You

• A relevant Planning qualification
• RTPI membership (or working towards it)
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development management process
• Excellent written skills with high attention to detail
• Confident communicator with a professional, approachable manner
• Proactive, enthusiastic and a strong team player

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Private medical cover and payment of relevant professional subscriptions
• Hybrid and agile working with flexibility around working patterns
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and clients
• Clear scope for career progression within a growing regional team
• A supportive culture built on trust, autonomy and collaboration

This consultancy is now recognised as a top 20 UK planning consultancy, with over 50 planners nationwide, and continues to invest in regional growth across the North.

Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.