Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established planning practice in Hampshire is seeking a Principal/Associate Planner. Responsibilities include managing planning applications, mentoring junior staff, and leading client relations. The ideal candidate is MRTPI qualified with strong commercial awareness and excellent communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a clear path for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company bonus scheme

Flexible working options

Strong emphasis on personal development

Qualifications

• Experienced in managing a varied caseload independently.
• Comfortable mentoring junior colleagues.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Leading planning applications and appeals.
• Preparing appraisals and reports.
• Representing clients at committee meetings and hearings.

Skills

MRTPI qualified

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent written and verbal skills

Business development

Job description

Job Title: Principal/Associate Planner

Location: Hampshire

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and highly regarded planning practice known for delivering honest, commercially grounded planning advice with a personal touch. The team handles a broad portfolio of projects across residential, commercial, rural, and mixed-use developments — and they're now looking for a Principal Planner to join them.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of your own client base, lead projects with autonomy, and play an active role in shaping the future of the business.

The Role

You'll join a knowledgeable and collaborative consultancy where you'll have the chance to manage a variety of planning applications and client relationships from day one. Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading planning applications, appeals, and site promotion work
• Preparing appraisals, reports, and clear planning strategies
• Managing pre-application submissions, enforcement matters, and listed building consents
• Representing clients at committee meetings, site visits, and hearings
• Mentoring junior staff and reviewing their work
• Generating your own pipeline of work through business development, networking, and relationship management

About You

• MRTPI qualified with a strong grounding in planning consultancy
• Demonstrated ability to manage a varied caseload independently
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to tailor advice to client goals
• Confident communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Organised, proactive, and able to meet deadlines across multiple projects
• Comfortable mentoring and guiding more junior colleagues
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel for site visits and meetings

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Company bonus scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Strong emphasis on personal development and career progression
• Clear path to Associate and Partnership-level positions
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to shape your own portfolio and client relationships

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)