Senior Planner | Principal Planner

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

Job summary

A leading infrastructure and environmental consultancy is seeking a Principal Town Planner to lead on complex projects and influence strategy in the UK. This role involves managing diverse planning projects and guiding clients through the full planning process while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders. Benefits include an annual bonus scheme, flexible working, and health membership.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

25 days annual leave + birthday off

Vitality Health Membership

Flexible working

Company pension scheme

Life insurance (4x salary)

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience delivering planning projects across infrastructure, utilities, or rural sectors.
• Comfortable managing client relationships.
• Experience mentoring junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver a range of planning projects from feasibility through to consent.
• Prepare and submit planning applications and supporting documents.
• Lead or support a small team and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Report writing

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Client relationship management

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI)

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Title: Principal Town Planner

Location: Bristol

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading infrastructure and environmental consultancy driving the UK and Ireland closer to Net Zero. Their integrated team delivers expert planning, land access, EIA, and geospatial services, unlocking the consents needed for critical utility and infrastructure projects.

Due to continued growth, the business is looking for a Principal Planner to strengthen its Environmental and Planning division. This is a key opportunity to lead on complex projects, influence strategy, and shape the future of utility and infrastructure development across the UK.

The Role
As Principal Planner, you will manage a diverse portfolio of planning projects, including major capital schemes, development appraisals, and consent strategies for nationally significant infrastructure. Working across sectors such as energy, water, and telecoms, you will guide clients through the full planning process-preparing applications, managing environmental inputs, and ensuring successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and deliver a range of planning projects from feasibility through to consent

Provide technical planning advice on complex sites, including those with environmental sensitivities

Prepare and submit planning applications and supporting documents

Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and local planning authorities

Lead or support a small team, mentoring junior staff and offering line management as required

Represent the planning team at site visits, meetings, and stakeholder consultations

Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities and cross-selling services

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and best practice

About You

Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline

Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI)

Proven experience delivering planning projects across infrastructure, utilities, or rural sectors

Strong report writing, analytical, and presentation skills

Comfortable managing client relationships and contributing to project strategy

Commercial awareness and a solutions-focused mindset

Knowledge of GIS and environmental disciplines desirable

Full UK driving licence required

Benefits Include

Annual bonus scheme

25 days annual leave + your birthday off

Vitality Health Membership (private healthcare, gym discounts, etc.)

Flexible working to support work/life balance

Company pension scheme

Life insurance (4x salary)

Free on-site parking (non-city offices)

Interested?

Contact Josh on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)

Job Info

Job Title:

Company:

Penguin Recruitment

Location:

Bristol, Bristol

Posted:

Jul 2nd 2025

Closes:

Aug 2nd 2025

Sector:

Consulting

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

Full Time

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