Principal Town Planner

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

This innovative firm is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead transformative projects in Central Manchester. As part of a highly regarded consultancy, you'll tackle complex planning challenges and drive strategic outcomes. This role offers the chance to influence urban regeneration and land development while working in a collaborative and flexible environment. If you're passionate about shaping places and have the expertise to lead major applications, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact in the planning sector.

Qualifications

• MRTPI-qualified with experience in leading planning work.
• Proven track record in managing complex 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

Project Management

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Job description

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.

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 take 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 ranging 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 externally.

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 (url removed) or call (phone number removed).

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.