Senior Town Planner / Associate Town Planner

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

Job summary

A well-established planning consultancy in Oxfordshire seeks a Senior Town Planner or Associate Town Planner with significant experience in managing planning projects. You'll be responsible for negotiating with planning authorities, preparing reports, and advising clients. The ideal candidate is MRTPI qualified with 3-8 years of experience and a background in either private consultancy or local authority planning. This role offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a flexible working arrangement.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Clear career progression

Qualifications

• Must be MRTPI qualified or nearing completion.
• Experience in private consultancy or local authority planning is essential.
• Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage planning applications, appeals and pre-application submissions.
• Negotiate with local planning authorities and statutory consultees.
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients.
• Prepare high-quality reports and submissions.
• Interpret planning policy and case law.
• Support junior team members and contribute to team growth.

Skills

Strong written communication

Analytical skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Solution-focused approach

Education

MRTPI qualification

3-5 years’ experience (Senior)

6-8 years’ experience (Associate)

Job description

Job Title: Senior Town Planner | Associate Town Planner

Location: Oxfordshire

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded independent planning consultancy in the appointment of a Senior Town Planner or Associate Town Planner.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, well-established practice known for tackling complex planning challenges and delivering creative, commercially astute solutions for its clients.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing planning projects from inception through to successful determination. You will work closely with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders, providing clear and pragmatic planning advice across a varied portfolio of development projects.

This role would suit an experienced planner looking to step into a senior position, or an established Associate seeking greater responsibility and influence within a consultancy environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing planning applications, appeals and pre-application submissions
• Negotiating with local planning authorities and statutory consultees
• Providing strategic planning advice to clients
• Preparing high-quality reports and written submissions
• Interpreting planning policy, guidance and case law
• Supporting junior team members and contributing to team growth (Associate level)

About You

• MRTPI qualified (or close to completion for Senior level)
• Typically 3-5+ years’ experience (Senior) or 6-8+ years’ experience (Associate)
• Background in private consultancy or local authority planning
• Strong written, analytical and communication skills
• Confident managing projects and client relationships
• Proactive, commercially aware and solution-focused

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary reflective of experience
• Generous benefits package
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• High-quality, varied workload
• Clear progression and long-term career 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]