Senior Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent planning consultancy is seeking a motivated Senior Consultant Planner to support diverse projects across the UK. Join a dynamic team focused on delivering high-quality planning consultancy services, enjoying a competitive salary, hybrid working, and strong professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual performance-related bonus

Generous pension contributions

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Full payment of professional fees

Opportunities for ongoing CPD

Annual social events

Employee Ownership Trust benefits

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of planning experience in private or public sector.
• Strong technical knowledge of planning policy and legislation.
• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseload of planning applications.
• Draft planning reports and engage with stakeholders.
• Contribute innovative solutions to planning challenges.

Skills

Communication

Report writing

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Senior Planner

Location: Newcastle

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Consultant Planner to join their dynamic and growing team. With offices based in Chester, Newcastle, and Manchester, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner to take the next step in their career and work on a wide range of exciting projects across the UK.

The Role

As a Senior Consultant Planner, you will play a key role in delivering planning consultancy services across a diverse portfolio of developments. This includes working alongside Directors and senior staff on major schemes, as well as taking the lead on smaller and medium-scale planning applications.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting senior staff on large-scale planning projects
• Managing your own caseload of planning applications
• Undertaking research and producing site appraisals
• Drafting planning reports, development plan representations, policy notes, and environmental statements
• Engaging with local authorities, statutory consultees, third parties, and clients
• Building and nurturing client relationships
• Contributing innovative solutions and ideas to planning challenges
• Managing budgets and timelines for small to medium-sized projects
• Keeping up to date with relevant planning policy and legislation
• Attending and presenting at external events and client meetings

About You

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious planner with the following:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
• 5-10 years of planning experience in the private or public sector
• Strong technical knowledge of planning policy and legislation
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills
• Confidence in presenting and representing clients
• A proactive, creative, and solutions-focused mindset

What's On Offer

You'll benefit from a supportive and collaborative environment with:

• Competitive salary and annual performance-related bonus
• Generous pension contributions and private healthcare
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements (home and office-based)
• Full payment of professional fees
• Opportunities for ongoing CPD and clear progression routes
• Annual social events and a people-focused company culture
• Employee Ownership Trust status, which includes tax-free bonuses and influence over company decisions

This consultancy is committed to creating a balanced and flexible working environment and places genuine value on professional development and team wellbeing.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)