Principal Town Planner | Associate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Chichester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy is seeking a Principal Planner to manage planning applications and provide professional advice. The ideal candidate will be a Chartered Member of the RTPI with strong experience in diverse projects and excellent communication skills. This role focuses on professional growth and high standards of client service in Chichester and Hampshire.

Qualifications

• Chartered Member of the RTPI is required.
• Experience in a variety of planning projects.
• Must have a full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications.
• Conduct site visits and prepare appraisals.
• Produce high-quality planning and design statements.
• Represent clients at planning committees.
• Mentor junior colleagues.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Organisational skills

Client-focused approach

Ability to mentor junior colleagues

Education

Chartered Member of the RTPI

Job description

Overview

Principal Planner | Associate Planner

Location: Hampshire + Chichester

The Opportunity

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and highly respected planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Planner. This consultancy is known for delivering clear, realistic planning advice with a personal touch, across a diverse range of projects in both rural and urban contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently prepare, submit, and manage planning applications, pre-application advice requests, appeals, enforcement matters, and related consents.
• Conduct site visits, research planning history and policy, and prepare professional written appraisals and advice.
• Produce high-quality planning, design and access, heritage, and related statements.
• Represent clients at planning committees, hearings, and inquiries, including acting as expert witness where appropriate.
• Provide mentoring and oversight for junior colleagues.
• Coordinate consultant teams on small to medium-scale projects.
• Drive business development by managing enquiries, building networks, and attending industry events.

Requirements

• Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Strong experience in a range of planning projects, ideally within the private sector.
• Commercially aware with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Full driving licence (exceptions can be considered).
• A proactive, collaborative, and client-focused approach.

This is a key position in a consultancy that values professional growth, personal development, and high standards of client service.

Interested in hearing more?

For applications, or for more information regarding this opportunity, please send your up-to-date CV to Josh Jones at or call (phone number removed)