Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established planning consultancy in central Manchester is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead transformative projects that shape communities. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic planning decisions while working on diverse projects across residential, retail, and regeneration sectors. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and integrity, where you can bring your ideas to life and mentor the next generation of planners. With a strong pipeline of work and a commitment to professional development, this position promises both challenge and reward in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Autonomy in work

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• MRTPI-qualified with experience in consultancy or local authority.
• Proven track record in handling complex planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-profile planning projects from strategy to application.
• Manage client relationships and mentor junior staff.

Skills

MRTPI qualification

Leadership skills

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Experience with large-scale applications

Education

Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Principal Town Planner
Central Manchester (Hybrid) | Senior Appointment | Planning that Shapes Places

We’re supporting a highly regarded planning consultancy-based in central Manchester-as they look to appoint a Principal Town Planner to play a pivotal role in their continued growth.

This isn’t a box-ticking planning job. It’s for someone who sees planning as the strategic core of a project-who wants to lead major applications, solve complex challenges, and bring forward developments that change places for the better.

The Business

This independent consultancy has been shaping residential, retail, regeneration and green belt projects across the UK for over 20 years. They don’t just advise-they lead. And with a strong pipeline of work and long-standing client relationships, they’re in a prime position to grow their senior team.

The Role

You’ll be taking the lead on high-profile and often sensitive projects, managing everything from early strategy through to application and negotiation. You’ll be client-facing, team-leading, and driving outcomes on developments that range from urban regeneration to strategic land.

There’s room here to step up, shape the way things are done, and bring your own ideas to the table. You’ll be a trusted voice both inside the business and out.

What You’ll Need

• MRTPI-qualified, with solid experience leading planning work in consultancy or local authority.

• A confident operator with a track record of handling complex and large-scale applications.

• Strategic thinking with a commercial edge-you see the bigger picture and how planning decisions impact wider business goals.

• Comfortable in a leadership role, mentoring more junior staff and being a key part of client relationships.

Why This Role?

• Join a consultancy with an established name and growing influence in the market.

• Work on a range of exciting, challenging projects across multiple sectors.

• Be part of a smart, approachable team that values ambition, trust, and integrity.

• Enjoy a modern working culture with flexibility and autonomy

Interested?

Contact Sofia Conte [e-mail] or call 01792 957386. We have many more vacancies available on our website.

This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position