Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Ringway; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

26 days holiday

Company bonus

Pension scheme

Career development

Client-facing opportunities

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking a Senior Town Planner to join a Manchester-based planning and development consultancy. You will manage a diverse portfolio, deliver planning advice, and build strong client relationships across the UK.

The role offers hybrid working, a clear progression path, and a supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development. A relevant degree and RTPI progress are advantageous.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree, with a Master's qualification in Town Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning or a related discipline desirable.
• Strong previous experience within town planning, ideally gained within a planning consultancy environment.
• A sound understanding of UK planning legislation, policy and the wider planning system.
• Proven experience managing planning applications and projects independently.
• Excellent research, report writing and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical and commercially focused planning advice.

Responsibilities

• Managing a diverse range of planning projects from instruction through to completion.
• Undertaking planning research and preparing appraisals, planning statements, reports and planning applications.
• Developing effective planning strategies and providing commercially focused advice to clients.
• Proactively managing planning applications, including liaising with Local Planning Authorities and resolving issues throughout the process.
• Taking the lead on householder, minor and other planning applications, while supporting larger and more complex development projects.
• Coordinating with clients, consultants, technical teams and other key stakeholders.
• Managing project programmes and deadlines, ensuring work is delivered accurately, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Supporting business development activities, building professional networks and contributing to the growth of the consultancy.
• Providing guidance and mentoring to junior members of the team.

Skills

Town planning

Client communication

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in Town Planning or related

Bachelor's degree in a related discipline

Job description

Senior Town Planner

Location: Manchester

Salary: £40-50,000

A growing and forward-thinking planning and development consultancy is seeking an experienced Senior Town Planner to join its expanding team in Manchester.

With a strong focus on its people, the consultancy provides commercially minded planning advice and creative, practical solutions across a diverse range of projects throughout the UK. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planner to take ownership of projects, develop strong client relationships and play an important role in the continued growth of the business.

The Role

As a Senior Town Planner, you will manage a varied portfolio of planning projects from initial instruction through to completion. You will work closely with clients, local authorities, consultants and internal teams to deliver high-quality planning advice and successful outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a diverse range of planning projects from instruction through to completion.
• Undertaking planning research and preparing appraisals, planning statements, reports and planning applications.
• Developing effective planning strategies and providing commercially focused advice to clients.
• Proactively managing planning applications, including liaising with Local Planning Authorities and resolving issues throughout the process.
• Taking the lead on householder, minor and other planning applications, while supporting larger and more complex development projects.
• Coordinating with clients, consultants, technical teams and other key stakeholders.
• Managing project programmes and deadlines, ensuring work is delivered accurately, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Supporting business development activities, building professional networks and contributing to the growth of the consultancy.
• Providing guidance and mentoring to junior members of the team.

About You

The successful candidate will be an experienced and commercially aware Town Planner with a proactive approach and the confidence to manage projects independently.

You will ideally have:

• A relevant degree, with a Master's qualification in Town Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning or a related discipline desirable.
• Strong previous experience within town planning, ideally gained within a planning consultancy environment.
• A sound understanding of UK planning legislation, policy and the wider planning system.
• Proven experience managing planning applications and projects independently.
• Excellent research, report writing and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical and commercially focused planning advice.
• Confidence communicating directly with clients, planning officers, consultants and other stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach and a genuine interest in developing your professional network.
• RTPI Chartered status, or progress towards MRTPI, would be advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

What's on Offer

In return, you will have the opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative consultancy that genuinely invests in its people and provides excellent opportunities for long-term career development.

The package includes:

• 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional leave.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• Career break policy.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities.
• Exposure to a diverse and interesting portfolio of projects across the UK.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A supportive, collaborative and people-focused working environment.
• Opportunities to further develop your client-facing, networking and business development skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Town Planner looking to take the next step in their career with a growing consultancy where they can make a genuine impact and continue to develop professionally.