Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Hampshire seeks a Principal/Associate Planner to manage a diverse client base and lead planning applications. This role offers autonomy, mentorship opportunities, and a clear path to career advancement in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Company bonus scheme

Flexible working options

Strong emphasis on personal development

Clear path to Associate and Partnership-level positions

Qualifications

• Ability to manage a varied caseload independently.
• Strong commercial awareness tailored to client goals.

Responsibilities

• Leading planning applications, appeals, and site promotion work.
• Preparing appraisals, reports, and clear planning strategies.
• Mentoring junior staff and reviewing their work.

Skills

Communication

Commercial Awareness

Mentoring

Education

MRTPI Qualification

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 01792362010 or [e-mail]