Senior Town Planner in Reading)

Penguin Recruitment; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established planning consultancy is seeking a Senior Town Planner to join its Reading team. This role offers the opportunity to lead planning applications and provide expert advice while being a part of high-profile projects. The ideal candidate should have MRTPI accreditation or be working towards it, excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation, and strong communication skills. This position provides a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for career growth within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Chartered or working towards MRTPI accreditation.
• Strong professional experience in town planning.
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications and appeals.
• Provide expert planning advice to clients.
• Represent clients in meetings with local authorities.

Skills

Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)

Professional experience in town planning

Knowledge of UK planning legislation

Strong communication skills

Commercial awareness

Team player mentality

Job description

Overview

An established and award-winning planning consultancy is seeking a talented Senior Town Planner to join its successful Reading team. This is a rare opportunity to work with a highly respected practice known for delivering commercially focused, creative planning solutions for a diverse client base. The role is ideal for an ambitious planner who wants to accelerate their career while contributing to high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications, appeals, and site promotion work across a variety of sectors.
• Provide expert planning advice to developers, landowners, and institutional clients.
• Represent clients in meetings with local authorities, stakeholders, and community groups.
• Prepare high-quality reports, statements, and supporting documents.
• Take ownership of projects and build trusted client relationships.
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to the growth of the Reading office.

Candidate Profile

• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), or working towards accreditation.
• Strong professional experience in town planning, ideally within consultancy (local authority experience also considered).
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation, local plan processes, and development management.
• Skilled communicator, confident in advising clients and representing projects at meetings and hearings.
• Commercially aware, proactive, and motivated to deliver results.
• A strong team player with the ambition to develop into a leadership role.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Exposure to major development projects and long-term clients.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression, with a clear route to Associate level and beyond.
• A supportive, collaborative culture with access to experienced mentors and national expertise.

How to Apply