Senior Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded consultancy in Cheltenham is seeking a Senior Planner to provide high-quality planning advice and exceptional client care. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates will hold a degree in Town Planning, have significant UK planning experience, and strong project management skills. You will prepare planning applications, manage projects, and build relationships with clients and stakeholders, contributing to a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• Significant UK planning experience, particularly in the private sector.
• Experience leading projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to make sound planning recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit planning applications and appeals.
• Undertake community engagement and planning meetings.
• Research planning strategy and provide site appraisals.

Skills

Strong report-writing skills

Excellent project management

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Client relationship management

Education

Degree in Town Planning or relevant discipline

Job description

Senior Planner
Location: Cheltenham

Penguin Recruitment is pleased to be supporting an exciting, well respected consultancy in their search for a Senior Planner. They will be joining a growing and well regarded planning team in Cheltenham.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to join a consultancy that is passionate about delivering quality planning advice while fostering a friendly, supportive, and collaborative working environment. The business is committed to growth and believes this is driven by investing in and developing a great team.

The role is full time, offering a hybrid home/office working arrangement, with a salary commensurate with experience.

The Role

As a Senior Planner, you will play a key role in supporting the team in delivering first rate planning advice and exceptional client care. You will take on a higher level of responsibility, working independently on projects while also mentoring junior team members.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing and submitting planning applications, appeals, and pre application enquiries
• Undertaking community engagement, committee meetings, and public examinations where required
• Researching planning strategy and providing site appraisals
• Producing high quality planning reports with clear, well‑reasoned recommendations
• Attending site visits and client meetings
• Supporting and developing client relationships
• Working collaboratively with trusted partners and stakeholders
• Maintaining CPD and keeping up to date with planning legislation and policy
• Building strong relationships with local authorities and other consultees

About You

The ideal Senior Planner will have:

• A degree (or equivalent) in Town Planning or a relevant environmental discipline
• RTPI membershipSignificant UK planning experience, with a strong background in the private sector
• Experience leading projects and managing client demands from inception to completion
• Strong report‑writing skills and the ability to make sound planning recommendations
• Excellent project management and communication skills
• A proactive, positive attitude and the ability to work well under pressure

Why Apply?

This Senior Planner role offers the chance to join a consultancy that genuinely values its people, encourages professional development, and promotes a positive team culture. You’ll work on a diverse range of projects while having the opportunity to mentor others and help shape the future growth of the business.

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