Senior Town Planner | Associate Town Planner in Bolton)

Penguin Recruitment; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the rural planning and property consultancy sector is looking for a Senior Planner or Associate Planner to join their Bolton office. The role offers a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and flexible hybrid working, alongside opportunities for professional development within a supportive culture.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Flexible hybrid working

Supportive office culture

Clear progression opportunities

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Manage planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and representations.
• Take ownership of projects from inception through to completion.
• Guide and support junior team members.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Client Relations

Education

MRTPI chartered or eligible

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?