Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Lenham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Senior Town Planner to join a growing Kent-based planning consultancy. You will take ownership of a diverse portfolio across residential and commercial developments, navigating Green Belt and Grey Belt policy while delivering high-quality planning advice.

The ideal candidate has at least three years in planning consultancy or local authority settings, MRTPI membership (or working towards Chartered status), and a proven ability to manage projects from

Qualifications

• Three years' experience in planning consultancy or local authority environment.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and local government experience.
• Exposure to Green Belt/ Grey Belt planning matters advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to attend site visits across the region.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning projects from instruction through to decision, ensuring delivery of programmes and client satisfaction.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams on medium to large developments; coordinate project teams and provide planning advice.
• Attend client meetings and maintain strong client relationships with local authorities and consultees.
• Prepare and review planning applications, appeals, and supporting documents to a high standard.
• Monitor changes in planning legislation, with focus on Green Belt and Grey Belt guidance.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to their professional development.

Skills

MRTPI membership or chartered status

Job description

Job Title: Senior Town Planner

Location: Kent

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing and highly regarded planning consultancy in the search for a Senior Town Planner to join its expanding team in Kent.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious planner who enjoys variety and is looking to take ownership of a diverse portfolio of projects. Working across residential and commercial development schemes, you'll have the chance to navigate the evolving landscape of Green Belt and Grey Belt policy while contributing to a range of high-profile planning projects.

This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys managing projects from inception through to determination, building strong relationships with clients and local authorities, and playing a key role within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.

The Role

As a Senior Town Planner, you will lead smaller projects independently while contributing to larger and more complex schemes alongside experienced colleagues. You will be entrusted with managing client relationships, coordinating project teams, and delivering high-quality planning advice and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing planning projects from initial instruction through to planning decision, ensuring effective delivery of programmes, budgets and client expectations.
• Acting as a key member of multidisciplinary teams on medium and large-scale developments.
• Attending client meetings and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Liaising with local planning authorities and statutory consultees to facilitate successful outcomes.
• Preparing and reviewing planning applications, appeals and supporting documentation to a consistently high standard.
• Monitoring changes in planning legislation and policy, with particular focus on emerging Green Belt and Grey Belt guidance.
• Providing support and mentoring to junior team members, helping to foster professional development and strengthen team capability.

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate will possess:

• A strong understanding of the UK planning system and experience working within or alongside local government.
• A minimum of three years' experience gained within a planning consultancy or local authority environment.
• MRTPI membership, or be actively working towards chartered status.
• Experience across residential and commercial development projects.
• Exposure to Green Belt and/or Grey Belt planning matters would be highly advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to attend site visits and client meetings across the region.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with clients, stakeholders and local authorities.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers genuine project ownership, exposure to a varied and interesting workload, and the chance to develop your career within a supportive and collaborative consultancy environment. You will work alongside experienced professionals on projects that make a lasting impact, with excellent prospects for continued progression and professional development.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)