Senior Town Planner | Associate Town Planner

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

Job summary

A leading rural planning and property consultancy seeks a Senior Planner / Associate Planner for its Bolton office. The successful candidate will manage diverse planning projects, mentor junior staff, and provide strategic advice to clients while enjoying flexible hybrid working and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Performance-related bonus

Supportive office culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in town planning (private or public sector).
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and representations.
• Provide strategic planning advice and input into business development.
• Mentor junior team members and guide the planning team.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

MRTPI Chartered or eligible for chartered status

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM/Project Management Tools

Job description

Senior Planner / Associate Planner
Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester
Salary: Circa £45,000 DOE + Bonus + Hybrid Working

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing rural planning and property consultancy in their search for a Senior Planner or Associate Planner to join their South Manchester office.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner to take on a leadership role within a dynamic and forward-thinking team. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong competence in Green Belt policy and strategy, with the ability to deliver clear, creative solutions to complex planning challenges.

About the Company:
This established consultancy provides expert advice on planning and property matters across the rural, residential, and commercial sectors. Their approach is built around clarity, innovation, and delivering value – with a strong reputation for unlocking development potential across the North West.

With a client-focused and collaborative culture, this is a business that values initiative, clear communication, and high-quality service delivery. Planning is central to their offering, and with increasing demand for their services, they are now looking to strengthen their team further.

Role Overview:
The successful candidate will lead and manage a wide range of planning projects, supporting clients through the full planning process – from early advice to submission and post-determination. You will be responsible for mentoring junior team members and play a key role in shaping the ongoing success of the planning team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and representations
• Take ownership of projects from inception through to completion
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, local authorities, and external consultants
• Provide strategic planning advice and input into business development
• Guide and support junior team members (including a Graduate Planner and Assistant PM)
• Monitor changes in planning policy and legislation

About You:
We are looking for a commercially aware, motivated planner who thrives in a client-facing role and enjoys working on a varied project portfolio.

Requirements:

• Experience in town planning (private or public sector)
• MRTPI chartered (or eligible for chartered status)
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Experience or interest in rural planning is advantageous
• Competent with Microsoft Office and CRM/project management tools

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary, circa £45,000 depending on experience
• Performance-related bonus (post-probation, based on individual KPIs)
• Flexible hybrid working
• Supportive office culture with full administrative and project support
• Clear progression opportunities and ongoing 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 01792 362 010 or [e-mail]