Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Tunbridge Wells; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Paid professional subscriptions

Hybrid working

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking a Senior Planner to join their expanding Tunbridge Wells team, with hybrid working options and exposure to a diverse portfolio across the South East. You will work within a multi-disciplinary environment delivering planning projects from inception to consent, while developing client relationships and project portfolios.

The role requires a Town Planning degree, MRTPI status or ongoing progression, and a strong understanding of the UK planning system, with excellent

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a planning role (consultancy, local authority, or development background).
• Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• MRTPI qualified or working towards RTPI membership.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the development potential of land and buildings.
• Prepare and support planning applications and appeals.
• Provide planning policy advice and undertake research.
• Draft representations for Local Plan consultations and examinations.
• Identify and assess land opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with clients and consultants to deliver development schemes.

Skills

Planning experience

Report writing

Communication

Organisational skills

Team player

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related

MRTPI qualified or RTPI in progress

Job description

Job Title: Senior Planner
Location: Tunbridge Wells (Hybrid Working Available)

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Planner to join their expanding team in Tunbridge Wells.

This is a unique opportunity to become part of an experienced and growing team, working across a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the South East.

The Opportunity

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of work, our client is looking for a talented Senior Planner to play a key role in delivering a wide range of planning projects.

You’ll work within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment alongside planning and socio-economic specialists, with the chance to contribute to major schemes including urban extensions and strategic development opportunities.

This position also offers the opportunity to influence regional growth strategy while developing your own client relationships and project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on the development potential of land and buildings
• Prepare and support planning applications and appeals
• Provide planning policy advice and undertake research
• Draft representations for Local Plan consultations and examinations
• Identify and assess land opportunities
• Work collaboratively with clients and consultants to deliver development schemes

You will be involved throughout the full project lifecycle – from early-stage advice and design through to securing planning consent and managing conditions and obligations – with opportunities to support planning appeals and Local Plan examinations.

About You

• Previous experience in a planning role (consultancy, local authority, or development background)
• Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline
• MRTPI qualified or working towards RTPI membership
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system
• Excellent report writing skills with high attention to detail
• Confident communicator with a friendly and professional approach
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Motivated, proactive, and a collaborative team player

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Private medical insurance and paid professional subscriptions
• A supportive culture built on trust, autonomy, and empowerment
• Exposure to a wide range of projects across the South East
• The opportunity to contribute to regional growth and strategy
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements

Working Arrangements

This role offers a flexible, hybrid working model, allowing you to balance office and remote working in a way that suits your lifestyle.