Senior Town Planner Associate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in rural planning is seeking a Senior Planner or Associate Planner for their Bolton office. This role involves managing diverse planning projects and mentoring junior staff in a dynamic team, with a salary of circa £45,000 and bonuses. Strong expertise in planning policies and a client-focused approach are essential.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Clear progression opportunities

Flexible hybrid working

Supportive office culture

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and representations.
• Lead projects from inception through to completion.
• Guide junior team members including Graduate Planner and Assistant PM.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Client Relationship Management

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 (phone number removed) or (url removed)