Town Planner | Senior Planner | Planning Manager

Penguin Recruitment; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local recruitment agency is seeking a Planner, Senior Planner, or Planning Manager in Hampshire. The role involves managing the planning process for residential sites and requires a minimum of 2 years' experience in the field. Candidates should have a degree in Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline, with strong communication and negotiation skills. This is a full-time permanent position offering opportunities to work closely with diverse stakeholders and contribute to various planning projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Planner or above.
• Experience presenting to public and council officers.
• Confident working with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Compile planning applications for submission to Local Authorities.
• Manage the end-to-end submission of planning applications.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Strong understanding of UK planning system

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Ability to work independently

Collaborative working

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, or related discipline

Job description

Town Planner | Senior Planner | Planning Manager

Job Title: Town Planner | Senior Planner | Planning Manager

Location: Hampshire

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a busy and growing Planning department. We are looking to appoint a Planner, Senior Planner or Planning Manager to join a hands‑on Planning team, taking responsibility for managing the planning process from site inception through to the receipt of planning permissions and beyond.

This role will involve working on residential sites typically ranging from 30 to 200 units, alongside future land promotion initiatives. No two days will be the same. Reporting directly into the Director of Regeneration, this position would suit someone with a minimum of 2 years' post‑graduate experience gained within a Planning Consultancy, Local Authority, or Residential Developer environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile planning applications, conditions, and appeal documentation for submission to Local Planning Authorities
• Manage the end‑to‑end submission of planning applications
• Undertake research on previous planning applications and site history
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders
• Attend Planning Committee and Public Consultation meetings
• Monitor and review local planning policy and Local Plan reviews
• Maintain accurate internal records and planning policy databases
• Consider wider planning strategies including transport, economy, sustainability, climate change, and heritage
• Instruct, manage, and liaise with external consultants and engineers
• Collate evidence from public consultation where required
• Work closely with the wider planning and operational teams

Experience

• Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working as a Planner or above
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system and approval processes
• Experience presenting to the public, council officers, and committee members
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Confident working with a diverse range of stakeholders

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)

Job Info

• Job Title: Town Planner | Senior Planner | Planning Manager
• Company: Penguin Recruitment
• Location: Southampton, Hampshire
• Posted: Jan 7th 2026
• Closes: Feb 7th 2026
• Sector: Consulting
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time