Principal Town Planner Associate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in England is seeking a Principal Planner. You will manage planning applications, mentor junior staff, and build strong client relationships. This role requires a Chartered Member of the RTPI with strong private sector experience. The consultancy values professional growth and client service standards.

Qualifications

• Chartered Member of the RTPI required.
• Strong experience in private sector planning projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Full driving license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications.
• Conduct site visits and prepare professional appraisals.
• Represent clients at planning committees.
• Mentor junior colleagues and coordinate consultant teams.
• Drive business development through networking.

Skills

Planning applications management

Client relationship building

Mentoring junior colleagues

Written communication

Organizational skills

Education

Chartered Member of the RTPI

Job description

Overview

Principal Planner Associate Planner
Location: Hampshire + Chichester

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.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a chartered town planner with proven private sector experience who is ready to lead projects independently, support junior staff, and contribute to business development initiatives. You will take ownership of a varied workload and play an integral role in maintaining and developing strong client relationships.

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 (url removed) or call (phone number removed)