Senior / Principal Planner (Planning Policy) - Leeds

Zodiac Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy is seeking a talented Senior or Principal Planner based in Leeds. You will play a key role in shaping planning policies and leading diverse projects. Ideal candidates are RTPI qualified with experience in planning policy and a confident communicator. The role offers competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a hybrid working model, making it a great opportunity for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible hybrid working model

Qualifications

• RTPI qualified or working towards full membership.
• Experienced in planning policy, local plans, or strategic planning.
• Confident in presenting policy advice clearly and persuasively.
• Skilled in managing projects and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of Local Plan evidence and policy documents.
• Support engagement with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Contribute to spatial strategies and infrastructure planning.
• Mentor junior planners and manage your own workload.

Skills

RTPI qualified (or working towards full membership)

Experience in planning policy

Confident communicator

Project management skills

Job description

Salary £35k-£50k (DOE) Vacancy type Permanent Categories Town Planning

Senior / Principal Planner (Planning Policy)

Location : Leeds (Hybrid)

Salary : Competitive + excellent benefits

Sector : Planning Consultancy

Type : Permanent

Are you a talented Senior or Principal Planner with a passion for planning policy and shaping the future of places?

Our client, a leading independent planning and development consultancy , is looking to expand their Leeds-based team with a driven professional who’s ready to take the next step in their career.

The Role

Working within a respected and well-established Planning Policy team , you’ll play a key role in delivering a diverse range of projects across the public and private sectors.

You’ll be involved in :

• Leading on the preparation of Local Plan evidence , policy documents , and strategic planning advice.
• Supporting and managing engagement with local authorities , developers, and stakeholders.
• Contributing to spatial strategies , housing and employment land assessments , and infrastructure planning.
• Mentoring and supporting junior planners while managing your own workload and client relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on high-profile national and regional projects , while benefiting from the support of an experienced multidisciplinary team.

About You

You’ll likely be :

• RTPI qualified (or working towards full membership).
• Experienced in planning policy, local plans, or strategic planning — ideally within consultancy or local government.
• A confident communicator, able to present policy advice clearly and persuasively.
• Skilled in managing projects, client relationships, and deadlines with a proactive and collaborative approach.

If you’re at Senior Planner level and ready to step up, or already a Principal Planner seeking a fresh challenge, this role offers a genuine platform for career growth.

Why Join?

• Work on varied and meaningful projects that shape communities and influence policy.
• Join a supportive, forward-thinking consultancy with an excellent track record of internal promotion.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid working model based in the heart of Leeds.
• Competitive salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.