Senior Town Planner

Living Wage Foundation; Ridgacre; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A planning consultancy is seeking a Senior Planning Consultant to provide expert advice and support on various planning projects. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant RTPI-accredited degree and have at least two years' experience in a planning environment. This primarily remote role offers flexible working hours and a comprehensive benefits package including annual leave and training opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension and life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in a local authority or private sector planning environment.
• Experienced in providing planning advice to stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert planning advice and guidance.
• Prepare detailed consultancy reports.
• Communicate and negotiate with stakeholders.

Skills

Planning advice

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Education

RTPI-accredited degree or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide expert planning advice and guidance to a wide range of clients remotely and online.
• Support the wider Planning Services team, including assistance with planning guidance and local authority work.
• Prepare detailed planning consultancy reports, including assessments of policy, planning history, constraints, and recommendations.
• Undertake research into local planning policies, history, and documentation in preparation for client meetings and applications.
• Draft and review delegated and committee planning reports in line with performance and quality standards.
• Prepare documentation and forms to support planning application submissions, including site visits where required.
• Communicate and negotiate effectively with applicants, agents, and stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and database updates in line with agreed KPIs.
• Support junior team members through guidance, mentoring, and peer review of planning reports.
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute to the ongoing development of the planning service.

About You

The ideal candidate will hold a relevant planning qualification (RTPI-accredited degree or equivalent) and have at least two years of experience within a local authority or private sector planning environment. You should be confident in providing planning advice to a wide range of stakeholders and demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.

You will be highly organised, capable of managing multiple projects to tight deadlines, and comfortable working in a results-driven environment. A keen eye for detail, a commitment to quality, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential.

Experience of mentoring or leading junior planners and eligibility for RTPI membership would be advantageous. A full driving licence is desirable.

The Opportunity

Due to continued growth, the company is seeking a Senior Planning Consultant to join their expanding Professional Services Team. This role offers the chance to deliver a unique range of specialist planning services to planning professionals, developers, local authorities, applicants, and the public.

The position is primarily remote, with occasional travel to the Birmingham office as required. The company promotes an agile working culture, offering flexibility in working hours to balance professional and personal commitments.

The company is a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer and is committed to employee well‑being, development, and work‑life balance.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days
• Company pension and life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies
• Flexible working arrangements
• Comprehensive training and career development opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Excellent opportunities for career progression within a supportive and growing team.

Exposure to high‑profile strategic planning projects.

Interested? If you're looking for a new challenge and want to be part of a forward‑thinking planning consultancy, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).