Senior Planner / Principal Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Knutsford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A countryside planning consultancy is seeking a Senior / Principal Planner to lead various rural planning projects. This role includes developing strategies, managing applications, and working with clients. The ideal candidate will have strong decision-making skills and effective communication abilities. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working patterns, and opportunities for long-term progression. If you're ready to take on significant responsibilities in a collaborative environment, this position may be ideal for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

High levels of autonomy with structured support

Varied and engaging workload

Long-term progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional judgement in planning matters.
• Ability to communicate complex planning issues clearly.
• Capability of managing discussions with planning officers.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects from enquiry to determination.
• Develop clear, robust planning strategies.
• Prepare high-quality planning applications and documents.

Skills

Strong professional judgement and decision-making ability

Clear written and verbal communication skills

Emotional intelligence and client-focused thinking

Confidence in taking responsibility for work

A practical, grounded approach to planning

Education

MRTPI, RICS or equivalent experience

Job description

Senior / Principal Planner

Location: Knutsford

Working Pattern: Hybrid

Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 plus benefits

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a specialist countryside planning consultancy in Cheshire with the appointment of a Senior / Principal Planner. This consultancy is recognised for delivering high-quality, well-reasoned planning advice underpinned by strong practical understanding and professional judgement.

The Opportunity

The Senior / Principal Planner will work across a diverse portfolio of countryside and rural planning projects, including:

• Rural diversification and farm business developments
• Estate planning and long-term land strategies
• Planning appeals, certificates and enforcement matters
• Complex countryside planning challenges
• Residential developments of up to 100 dwellings
• Commercial greenfield developments of up to 25 acres

The consultancy places clear emphasis on quality over volume, focusing on meaningful outcomes that support clients, rural businesses and communities.

The Role

The Senior / Principal Planner will take ownership of projects from initial enquiry through to determination, with responsibilities including:

• Leading planning projects end-to-end
• Developing clear, robust planning strategies
• Explaining complex planning issues in a practical and accessible way
• Preparing high-quality planning applications and supporting documents
• Managing discussions with planning officers and external consultants
• Working directly with clients on matters of personal and commercial importance
• Contributing to a collaborative team structure that supports quality and wellbeing

About You

This role is suited to a Senior / Principal Planner who demonstrates:

• Strong professional judgement and decision-making ability
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Emotional intelligence and client-focused thinking
• Confidence in taking responsibility for work
• A practical, grounded approach to planning

A purely rural background is not essential. MRTPI, RICS or equivalent experience is desirable but not mandatory where capability and professional maturity can be demonstrated.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working and flexibility
• High levels of autonomy with structured support
• A varied and engaging workload
• Long-term progression opportunities for the right Senior / Principal Planner

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)