Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning and design consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Town Planner to lead planning projects from inception to determination. This role involves managing complex planning applications, providing strategic advice, and supporting junior team members. The successful candidate will have strong technical expertise, several years of consultancy experience, and a solid understanding of the UK planning system. The position offers competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Employee-focused culture

Qualifications

• Several years' experience within consultancy or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system.
• Proven experience managing projects and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Managing and delivering complex planning applications and appeals.
• Providing strategic planning advice to clients.
• Leading client relationships and attending meetings with stakeholders.
• Preparing high-quality reports, statements and planning submissions.
• Supporting the development of junior planners within the team.

Skills

Strong technical expertise

Excellent communication skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Education

MRTPI (or working towards)

Job description

Senior Town Planner

Location: Bristol

Sector: Planning & Design Consultancy

Salary: Competitive + benefits

I'm currently working with a well-established, multidisciplinary planning and design consultancy that is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Town Planner as part of its continued growth.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected practice known for delivering high-quality, design-led planning outcomes across a wide range of development sectors, including residential, mixed-use, regeneration, commercial and environmental projects.

The Role

As a Senior Town Planner, you will play a key role in leading planning projects from inception through to determination, working closely with clients, local authorities and internal design teams. You'll be trusted to manage your own workload while also supporting and mentoring junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and delivering complex planning applications and appeals
• Providing strategic planning advice to clients
• Leading client relationships and attending meetings with stakeholders
• Preparing high-quality reports, statements and planning submissions
• Supporting the development of junior planners within the team

About You

You will be a motivated and commercially aware planner with strong technical expertise and excellent communication skills.

You will ideally have:

• MRTPI (or working towards with significant experience)
• Several years' experience within consultancy or a similar environment
• A strong understanding of the UK planning system
• Proven experience managing projects and client relationships
• The confidence to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

What's on Offer

• The chance to join a forward-thinking, employee-focused consultancy
• Exposure to high-profile, design-led projects
• Clear opportunities for career progression
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Competitive salary and benefits package

If you're a Senior Town Planner looking for a role where you can genuinely influence projects and be part of a collaborative, design-driven culture, I'd be keen to speak with you in confidence