Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established planning consultancy is looking for a Principal Town Planner in Milton Keynes. The role involves leading high-value planning projects, overseeing project teams, and providing strategic advice. Required qualifications include an RTPI-accredited degree and MRTPI status. The consultancy offers a supportive environment and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Excellent career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Commercially astute with the ability to manage client relationships.
• Proven experience in managing projects and clients effectively.
• Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications and development strategies.
• Provide expert planning advice to clients and developers.
• Prepare planning statements, appraisals, and policy representations.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Strong communication skills

Strategic planning

Business development

Education

RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification

MRTPI chartered status

Job description

Principal Town Planner

Location: Milton Keynes

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an established and well‑respected planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Town Planner to join their Milton Keynes office. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a senior, client‑facing role within a consultancy known for its high quality service, diverse project portfolio, and supportive team culture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunity to lead and manage a range of high‑profile projects
• Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

The Role

As a Principal Town Planner, you’ll take the lead on a range of complex and high‑value planning projects across residential, commercial, and mixed‑use sectors. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to clients, oversee project teams, and provide strategic planning advice from inception through to delivery. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to business development and mentor junior members of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing planning applications, appeals, and development strategies
• Providing expert planning advice to clients, landowners, and developers
• Preparing planning statements, appraisals, and policy representations
• Representing clients at planning committees, hearings, and public enquiries
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members to foster their development
• Identifying new business opportunities and supporting company growth initiatives

About You

The successful Principal Town Planner will be commercially astute, confident in managing client relationships, and capable of delivering high‑quality planning outcomes. You’ll bring a combination of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking to help shape the future success of the team.

Requirements

• RTPI‑accredited degree or postgraduate qualification
• MRTPI chartered status (essential)
• Relevant experience in planning, ideally in a private consultancy environment
• Proven ability to manage projects, clients, and multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation and procedures
• Strong communication and report‑writing skills
• A proactive and motivated approach to work and business development

If you are interested in this Principal Town Planner position, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.