Town Planner | Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking talented Planners to join their dynamic team in Leeds. This role offers the chance to work on diverse planning projects, providing expert advice and managing applications. Candidates will engage with clients and stakeholders, conduct planning appraisals, and promote sites through the Local Plan process. The position is ideal for those ready to take their career to the next level, with support for professional development and a competitive benefits package. If you are proactive and passionate about planning, this opportunity could be your next career move.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional accreditation support

Comprehensive training

Company pension plan

Up to 28 days annual leave

Discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject, eligible for RTPI membership.
• Planning experience in consultancy or local authority.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and planning appraisals to assess site development potential.
• Prepare and manage planning applications and related documentation.
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Planning experience

Analytical skills

Report writing skills

Communication skills

Time management

Client management

Team collaboration

Mentoring skills

Proactive attitude

Education

Degree in relevant subject

RTPI membership eligibility

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Planner / Senior Planner / Principal Planner
Location: Leeds

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a Multidisciplinary consultancy who are looking for talented Planner, Senior Planner, and Principal Planner(s) to join the team in Leeds. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a growing and dynamic team, providing expert planning advice and support across a wide range of exciting projects. Whether you have experience in development management, local plan policy, or land promotion, we have a role that offers fantastic career development opportunities.

About the Role:

As a Planner, Senior Planner, or Principal Planner, you will be involved in a variety of planning projects, providing professional advice, managing planning applications, and helping to promote sites through the Local Plan process. For Senior and Principal Planners, additional business development responsibilities will be available, with an opportunity to play a key role in growing the project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and undertake planning appraisals to assess the development potential of sites.
• Prepare, submit, and manage a range of planning applications, appeals, and related documentation.
• Promote sites through the Local Plan system, including representations, Hearing Statements, and Advocacy Reports.
• Provide clear, concise, and accurate planning advice, both orally and in written documents (reports, letters, emails, etc.).
• Lead your own projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with local authorities, clients, and other involved stakeholders.
• Attend site visits, client meetings, public meetings, and other events as necessary.
• Prepare fee proposals and tenders for planning work.
• For Senior and Principal Planners, play an active role in business development to help expand the project portfolio.

The Ideal Candidate:

• A degree or higher qualification in a relevant subject, eligible for RTPI membership or working towards Chartered membership.
• Planning experience, either in a consultancy or local authority environment.
• Strong understanding of the planning process, either in Local Plans or Development Management.
• Proven ability to conduct planning appraisals and assess site development potential.
• Strong analytical, numeracy, and report writing skills.
• Confidence in managing clients and attending client and local authority meetings.
• Excellent time and workload management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a collaborative team.
• A proactive and positive attitude with a ‘can-do’ approach.
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior team members.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Support for professional accreditation and career progression.
• Comprehensive training, CPD program, and mentoring.
• Company pension plan.
• Up to 28 days annual leave, plus bank and public holidays.
• Discretionary bonus following a successful qualification period.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to take their career to the next level in a supportive and fast-paced environment. If you are ready to contribute your expertise and drive forward your planning career, we would love to hear from you.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792361770 or [e-mail].