Senior Planner / Principal Planner / Associate Planner in Nottingham)

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

Job summary

A respected planning consultancy in Nottingham is seeking a Principal Planner to lead strategic projects across various sectors. The role involves managing multidisciplinary teams and client relationships while driving best practices. Ideal candidates will have MRTPI status and significant experience in planning consultancy or local authorities. This offers a chance for professional development and career progression in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary tailored to experience

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Excellent professional development support

Opportunities to lead significant projects

Inclusive and supportive team culture

Clear progression pathway

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning consultancy, local authority, or client-side roles.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale and complex development projects.
• Confidence in managing client relationships and influencing stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leading, managing, and securing major planning projects.
• Preparing, coordinating, and submitting complex planning applications.
• Providing high-level planning advice, strategies, and policy guidance.

Skills

MRTPI status

Report writing

Project management

Leadership

Client relationship management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Principal Planner

Location: Nottingham

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be working with a well established and respected planning and design consultancy based in Nottingham. They are known for delivering innovative, high quality projects across the UK, and their office is now seeking a Principal Planner to join their senior team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a collaborative, high profile environment where planners work alongside urban designers, architects, and major clients to help shape sustainable, meaningful places.

The Benefits

• Competitive salary tailored to experience
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
• Excellent professional development support, including RTPI CPD
• Opportunities to lead nationally significant and complex projects
• Inclusive and supportive team culture
• Clear progression pathway within a well-regarded consultancy

The Role

As a Principal Planner, you will take a leadership role in delivering strategic and complex planning projects across sectors such as residential, commercial, regeneration, infrastructure, and mixed-use developments. You will manage client relationships, guide multidisciplinary teams, and influence projects from inception to delivery.

Responsibilities

• Leading, managing, and securing major planning projects
• Preparing, coordinating, and submitting complex planning applications
• Providing high-level planning advice, strategies, and policy guidance
• Preparing planning statements, supporting documents, and proofs of evidence
• Engaging with senior clients, local authorities, and stakeholders
• Mentoring and developing senior and junior team members
• Driving best practice and contributing to the strategic growth of the Nottingham office

About You

We're looking for a senior planning professional who brings:

• MRTPI status
• Significant experience in planning consultancy, local authority, or client-side roles
• Proven track record delivering large-scale and complex development projects
• Excellent report writing, project management, and leadership skills
• Confidence in managing client relationships and influencing stakeholders
• Strategic thinking, proactive approach, and passion for high-quality placemaking

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected planning consultancy where your expertise, leadership, and career ambitions will be fully supported.

If you're interested in this Principal Planner role, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.