Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Colden Common; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative environment

High-profile projects

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd in the United Kingdom seeks a Principal Town Planner to lead on high-profile policy and planning projects from our Winchester base. You will shape Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans and SPD guidance, delivering complex assignments with strategic impact.

You will mentor junior staff, engage with clients and stakeholders, and represent the team at consultations, hearings, and examinations, while ensuring compliance with UK planning law.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline.
• Chartered membership of RTPI.
• Extensive experience in planning policy development and project management.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy frameworks, and procedures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of planning policy documents, including Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans, and SPD.
• Provide expert advice to clients on planning policy matters, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Manage and deliver complex planning projects within timelines and budgets.
• Undertake research and analysis to support evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Represent clients at public consultations, hearings, and examinations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Degree in Town Planning/Urban Planning

Job description

Principal Town Planner - Southampton

Location: Winchester

Salary: Competitive

Overview

Are you an experienced and driven Town Planner with a passion for shaping policy and delivering impactful projects? We are seeking a Principal Town Planner to join a leading consultancy in Winchester. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, influencing policy development and contributing to the growth and sustainability of communities. If you are ready to take the next step in your career and lead on high-profile planning initiatives, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

As a Principal Policy Town Planner, you will:

• Lead the development of planning policy documents, including Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans, and Supplementary Planning Documents.
• Provide expert advice to clients on planning policy matters, ensuring compliance with national and local regulations.
• Manage and deliver complex planning projects, from inception to completion, within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Undertake research and analysis to support evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Represent clients at public consultations, hearings, and examinations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated and innovative solutions.
• Mentor and support junior team members, fostering their professional growth.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Extensive experience in planning policy development and project management.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy frameworks, and procedures.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach to challenges.

Day-to-Day

Your typical day will involve:

• Engaging with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored planning advice.
• Drafting and reviewing planning policy documents and reports.
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment.
• Attending meetings, workshops, and public consultations to present findings and gather feedback.
• Monitoring changes in planning legislation and advising clients on potential impacts.
• Supporting business development activities, including preparing proposals and bids.

Benefits

In return for your expertise and dedication, you will receive:

• A competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to a collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• The chance to work on high-profile projects that make a real difference.

If you are ready to bring your expertise and leadership to a dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply to join this exciting opportunity in Southampton. Let’s shape the future of planning together.