Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planner to join their dynamic team in Reading. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead planning projects, manage client relationships, and mentor junior colleagues within a supportive and collaborative environment. The firm is renowned for its commitment to high-quality planning advice and has a rich history of delivering impactful solutions across various projects. If you are an MRTPI-qualified professional with a strategic mindset and a passion for planning, this position is perfect for you. Join a team that values inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous learning while working on nationally significant projects.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Career progression opportunities

Supportive working environment

Culture of inclusion and wellbeing

Qualifications

• MRTPI-qualified with significant experience in planning consultancy or local authority.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, particularly in the South East.

Responsibilities

• Leading on planning applications, appeals, and development strategies.
• Managing relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

Skills

MRTPI qualification

UK planning system knowledge

Client relationship management

Excellent communication skills

Strategic thinking

Mentoring and leadership

Education

Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Principal Planner - Reading
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Contract Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive + benefits

A leading global real estate advisory and consultancy firm is seeking a talented and experienced Principal Planner to join their dynamic planning team based in Reading. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior role with one of the most respected names in the property industry - an organisation renowned for delivering insightful, high-quality planning advice across the UK and internationally.

About Them

With over 160 years of experience and more than 40,000 professionals across 70 countries, this firm has built a reputation for helping people thrive through thoughtfully designed places and spaces. Their work spans commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects, providing bespoke solutions that help clients make better property decisions.

The Role

As a Principal Planner, you will take a lead role in delivering a wide range of planning projects, managing client relationships, and mentoring junior team members. You will be part of a high-performing team working on complex and high-profile developments across the South East and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leading on planning applications, appeals, site appraisals, and development strategies
2. Providing expert advice on planning policy and development potential
3. Managing relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and local authorities
4. Overseeing junior team members and contributing to their development
5. Supporting business development and winning new work through proposals and pitches

About You

Requirements:

1. MRTPI-qualified with significant experience in planning consultancy or local authority
2. Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, particularly in the South East
3. Proven track record in managing major planning applications and client relationships
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
5. Strategic thinker with a proactive, collaborative mindset
6. Ability to mentor, inspire and lead junior colleagues

What They Offer

1. A supportive and collaborative working environment
2. A culture that values inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous learning
3. Opportunities to work on nationally significant projects
4. Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package
5. Clear pathways for career progression within a global network

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.