Senior Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Manchester is looking for a Senior Planner to join its collaborative team. You will manage a diverse range of projects from inception to completion, ensuring clients receive innovative and impactful planning strategies. The ideal candidate will be MRTPI qualified or working towards this, with strong communication skills and a proactive approach. This role offers flexible working arrangements, career progression, and a supportive culture focused on work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Experience in private consultancy with proven track record in planning applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Collaborative approach and solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications and appeals across various sectors.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to drive positive outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality planning reports and policy appraisals.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Strong communication skills

Proactive mindset

Attention to detail

Education

MRTPI qualified or working towards it

Job description

Job Title: Senior Planner
Location: Manchester

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a forward-thinking, people-focused planning consultancy that delivers tailored planning strategies across the full development lifecycle.

This award-winning team believes in more than just ticking boxes. They focus on building meaningful relationships, engaging in open dialogue, and working collaboratively with clients, local authorities, and consultant teams to unlock development potential and deliver results that are both commercially sound and socially valuable.

The Role
As a Senior Planner, you’ll join a growing and collaborative team based in Altrincham. You’ll manage a broad mix of planning projects, taking them from early-stage discussions through to completion. Your ability to balance strategic insight with practical delivery will be crucial in ensuring clients receive an efficient, creative, and results-focused service.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to:

• Take ownership of their projects and client relationships
• Play a key role in shaping planning strategies that make a genuine impact
• Grow their career in a supportive and dynamic environment

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications and appeals across a variety of sectors
• Engage with clients, planning authorities, and stakeholders to drive forward positive outcomes
• Prepare high-quality planning reports, policy appraisals, and supporting documents
• Contribute to business development through networking and maintaining client relationships
• Stay informed on changes in planning legislation, policy, and best practice

About You

• MRTPI qualified (or working towards it) with experience in private consultancy.
• Proven track record of handling planning applications and appeals
• Commercial awareness and strong communication skills
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a collaborative approach
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail

What’s on Offer

• A people-first culture that encourages innovation, input, and ownership
• Flexible working arrangements and a genuine focus on work-life balance
• Career progression opportunities within a growing and well-respected consultancy
• A collaborative team environment where your voice is heard

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792362010 or [e-mail]