Senior Town Planner Principal Town Planner

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

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking a Senior/Principal Town Planner to join their dynamic team focusing on infrastructure and development projects. This role entails leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and engaging with high-profile clients in the UK. The opportunity includes flexible working and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus

Flexible working and work-life balance

Supportive team environment

Commitment to sustainability initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience with TCPA, DCO, TWAO or equivalent consenting regimes.
• Strong understanding of EIA and planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead on planning projects including major applications.
• Mentor junior team members and drive business growth.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Town Planning

RTPI membership (desirable)

Job description

Senior/Principal Town Planner - Infrastructure & Development Projects
Location: North of England - Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting one of the UK's most respected multi-disciplinary consultancies in their search for experienced Senior or Principal Town Planners to join their growing Planning & Environmental team in the North of England.

This market-leading consultancy works at the cutting edge of sustainable development, infrastructure delivery, and national planning policy, partnering with major public and private sector clients across the UK and internationally. From Net Zero to Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation, this is an opportunity to work with one of the UK's most forward-thinking planning teams.

The Opportunity:

You'll be joining a dynamic and high-performing planning team that supports clients across key markets including Energy, Water, Transport, Defence, and Housing. Key clients include the Environment Agency, National Highways, Homes England, Network Rail, Transport for the North, High Speed 2, the GLA, the Ministry of Defence, and many others. You'll also be working on strategic planning, policy, and infrastructure delivery across local authorities, LEPs, and private developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on a range of planning projects, including major applications and strategic planning
• Act as project lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams across complex schemes
• Oversee project delivery, including programme and budget management
• Support bid writing and framework submissions
• Mentor junior team members and help shape the future of the planning team
• Engage with clients and market leads to drive business growth and enhance market presence

What We're Looking For:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related subject (RTPI membership desirable)
• Experience delivering projects under TCPA, DCO, TWAO, or equivalent consenting regimes
• Strong understanding of EIA, planning policy, and infrastructure planning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to work winning
• A collaborative mindset with the confidence to lead or work within multi-disciplinary teams

Why Join?

• Work on nation-shaping infrastructure projects with a leading consultancy
• Hybrid and flexible working to support your work-life balance
• Supportive and inclusive team environment focused on career growth
• Competitive salary, annual bonus, and an excellent benefits package
• Genuine commitment to sustainability, equality, and social value initiatives

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and experienced Planner to contribute to some of the UK's most impactful and strategic projects.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).