Principal Town Planner

ZipRecruiter; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in the UK seeks a Principal Town Planner / Associate Director to provide high-quality planning advice and lead major projects. The role requires significant post-qualification experience and knowledge of UK planning legislation. This position offers a hybrid working model and excellent career development opportunities through nationally significant projects and mentorship within a collaborative team.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career development pathways

Collaborative professional environment

Opportunity for significant national projects

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience (ideally 7+ years).
• Experience managing complex planning applications and appeals.
• Background in consultancy, local government, or legal/planning interface.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning advice to clients including developers and public sector.
• Lead on major projects and manage a varied planning portfolio.
• Draft and submit planning applications and appeals.

Skills

Client relationship management

Strong communicator

Knowledge of UK planning legislation

Collaborative work

Education

MRTPI charter

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Principal Town Planner / Associate Director

Location: London or Nottingham

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, commercially focused planning advice to a broad client base including developers, landowners, and public sector bodies
• Lead on major projects and manage a varied portfolio of planning work
• Draft and submit planning applications, appeals, and development plan representations
• Prepare planning appraisals and due diligence reports
• Contribute to business development and client relationship management
• Support and mentor junior team members

About You

• MRTPI chartered with significant post-qualification experience (ideally 7+ years)
• Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedure
• A background in either consultancy, local government, or a legal/planning interface environment
• Experience managing complex planning applications, appeals, and negotiations
• Confident communicator with strong client-facing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working model (3 days a week in-office)
• A collaborative, professional environment with access to legal and planning expertise
• The opportunity to work on nationally significant developments and policy matters
• Clear pathways for career development and progression

How to Apply

Looking to elevate your planning career within a unique, cross-disciplinary environment? If you are a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner looking to join a team that will really value and help you progress, please do pop your CV across to (url removed) or call (phone number removed)

Reference - 61081