Senior Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Worthing; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected planning consultancy in Worthing is seeking a Senior Town Planner to join their team. In this role, you will manage your own projects, prepare planning applications, and support public consultations. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, MRTPI qualification, and around 5 years of experience in town planning. This position offers a supportive work culture with professional development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Structured internal and external CPD programmes

Mentoring and career development support

Regular social events and networking opportunities

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• 5 years' professional experience in town planning
• Experience working on significant or complex development projects

Responsibilities

• Preparing, submitting and managing planning applications
• Undertaking planning research and policy analysis
• Drafting planning statements and appeal documentation
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary project teams
• Supporting public consultation exercises
• Assisting with client relationship management

Skills

Strong report writing and analytical skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Proactive, adaptable and collaborative approach

Strong organisational and time management skills

Education

Degree in a relevant planning discipline

MRTPI qualification or eligibility for full membership

Job description

Job Title: Senior Town Planner

Location: Worthing

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and respected planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Planner to join their Sussex-based studio.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and growing planning team, delivering high-quality town planning services across both the public and private sectors. Projects range from major regeneration schemes to complex infrastructure and strategic developments.

The Role

As a Senior Planner, you will play a key role within the planning team, supporting projects from initial concept through to delivery. You will manage your own caseload while also contributing to larger, multi-disciplinary projects. The role offers significant client-facing exposure and the opportunity to work closely with local authorities, consultants and stakeholders. There is clear scope to further develop leadership, commercial awareness and professional responsibility within a supportive and progressive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing, submitting and managing planning applications, appeals and associated consents
• Undertaking planning research and policy analysis, providing clear and professional advice to clients
• Drafting planning statements, appraisals, appeal documentation and consultation materials
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary project teams and liaising with local authorities and statutory bodies
• Supporting public consultation exercises and stakeholder engagement
• Assisting with client relationship management and contributing to business development and marketing initiatives
• Supporting the ongoing development of the planning team through collaboration and knowledge sharing

About You

You will be a confident and capable planning professional, able to manage projects independently while contributing positively to a team-based environment. You'll be proactive, well-organised and comfortable communicating with a range of stakeholders.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant planning discipline
• MRTPI qualification or eligibility for full membership
• Circa 5 years' professional experience in town planning
• Strong report writing and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
• Experience working on significant or complex development projects
• Proactive, adaptable and collaborative approach
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Culture & Benefits

The practice operates a collaborative and inclusive working culture, with a strong emphasis on work‑life balance, professional development and mutual respect.

Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including:

• Structured internal and external CPD programmes
• Mentoring and career development support
• Regular social events, networking opportunities and organised site visits
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies and wellbeing support
• A genuinely inclusive and supportive working environment

The office is fully accessible, with inclusive facilities in place. Reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process where required.

Interested?

For applications, or for more information regarding this opportunity, please send your up-to-date CV to Josh Jones at or call (phone number removed)