Senior Town Planner/Associate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in London is seeking a Senior Town Planner to join its dynamic team. The role involves managing complex planning projects, influencing key developments, and aiding junior team members. The ideal candidate should have over 3 years of experience in planning, alongside MRTPI qualification or progress towards it. The position promises significant career growth with competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including health insurance and annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health and dental insurance

Pension scheme

Discretionary bonus

25 days annual leave

Genuine career progression

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualification or actively working towards chartership.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in consultancy or local authority.
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system.

Responsibilities

• Deliver planning advice and manage complex projects.
• Work directly with clients and local authorities.
• Lead discussions to secure permissions and influence projects.

Skills

MRTPI qualified or working towards chartership

3+ years' experience in planning

Understanding of UK planning system

Excellent communication skills

Project management skills

Commercial awareness

Problem-solving mindset

Job description

Job Title: Senior Town Planner
Location: London

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an established and respected planning practice in their search for a Senior Town Planner to join their dynamic and growing team.

This award-winning practice provides comprehensive and commercially minded town planning advice across a wide range of sectors. Their in-house planning team is highly experienced in commercial property, working closely with design teams and developers to deliver high-quality, strategic planning solutions.

The practice primarily works on large-scale employment and commercial development projects across the UK – including warehouse and industrial schemes at various stages, from strategic site promotion through Local Plans to live planning applications. One of their current flagship projects spans 200 hectares, encompassing employment, renewable energy, and advanced agricultural systems.

Despite being a small team, they have an impressive client base of well-funded developers and property funds, offering the opportunity to take on significant responsibility with close mentorship and oversight from senior leadership.

Key Services Include:

• Provision of initial planning advice
• Preparation of site appraisals and planning strategies
• Management of multi-disciplinary project teams
• Preparation and submission of full, outline, and hybrid applications
• Reserved Matters submissions
• Negotiating S106 Agreements
• Certificates of Lawfulness
• Amendments to / variations on conditions
• Planning appeals
• Discharging conditions
• Preparing representations to development plans
• Promotion of sites through the statutory plan-making process

The Role:

As a Senior Town Planner, you will take a leading role in delivering planning advice, managing a range of complex projects, and working directly with clients and local authorities to secure permissions. This position offers a real opportunity to step up towards Associate level, with scope to influence projects and mentor junior team members.

You’ll be involved in all stages of planning projects – from early strategic advice to application delivery – and will play a key client-facing role, supporting the continued growth and success of the business.

Requirements:

• MRTPI qualified (or actively working towards chartership)
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in planning (consultancy or local authority)
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development process
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships
• Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset
• Desire to take on more responsibility and grow into an Associate-level role

Why Apply?

• Join a well-established and forward-thinking consultancy
• Gain exposure to large-scale commercial and employment projects
• Supportive environment with direct mentoring from senior leadership
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package
• 25 days annual leave
• Health and dental insurance
• Pension scheme
• Discretionary bonus
• Genuine career progression

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]