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- Tasks: Lead planning for major infrastructure projects and manage a small team.
- Company: Join an award-winning consultancy driving the UK towards Net Zero by 2050.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and 25 days holiday plus your birthday off.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that champions personal development and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Must have a planning degree and MRTPI membership with experience in infrastructure projects.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and participation in company events.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a dynamic multi-disciplinary consultancy at the forefront of some of the UK's most high-profile infrastructure and utilities projects. This award-winning consultancy delivers expert planning and environmental services across sectors such as renewable energy, water, transport, and telecoms. With projects ranging from HS2 and nuclear energy to offshore wind, they are helping drive the UK toward Net Zero by 2050. Their culture is collaborative, forward-thinking, and people-focused - offering a true team environment where ideas and personal development are championed.
Due to continued growth, their Environmental and Planning Team is seeking an experienced Principal Planner to join them and lead on a range of complex projects across their national portfolio.
The RoleAs a Principal Planner, you will:
- Lead or manage a small team, delivering expert planning input across major utility and infrastructure projects.
- Manage planning applications, appraisals, and development consents, ensuring projects align with environmental policy and regulations.
- Act as a key advisor to clients and stakeholders, drawing on internal and external expertise to achieve project objectives.
- Play a central role in business development, cross-selling wider services, and improving internal processes.
- Support junior team members through mentoring and effective line management, helping shape the future leaders of the business.
- Contribute to internal initiatives and represent the business at events and forums.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A relevant planning degree and Chartered Membership of the RTPI (MRTPI).
- A solid background in planning within infrastructure, utilities, or major development projects.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and report-writing skills.
- A commercially aware mindset and a collaborative approach to project delivery.
- Strong organisational skills and a proactive attitude.
- Knowledge of GIS and a good understanding of environmental planning disciplines.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Annual performance bonus
- 25 days holiday + birthday off
- Private healthcare via Vitality
- Flexible working and support for working families
- Enhanced parental leave policies
- Pension scheme and life assurance
- Study leave and professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme and EV salary sacrifice (after 1 year)
- Sabbatical leave (after 3 years)
- Mental health & wellbeing support
- Regular company-wide and local office events
Interested?
Principal Planner in Thetford) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Thetford)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the infrastructure and utilities sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in environmental planning and infrastructure projects. Being knowledgeable about current policies will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a project or mentored junior staff, as this aligns with the role's requirements and shows your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the consultancy's recent projects and achievements. Understanding their portfolio will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in their work, making you a more appealing candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Thetford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning, particularly within infrastructure and utilities. Emphasise your Chartered Membership of the RTPI and any specific projects that align with the consultancy's focus areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your leadership experience, stakeholder management skills, and how you can contribute to their mission of driving the UK towards Net Zero by 2050.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your communication, report-writing, and organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed planning applications or led teams in previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of environmental planning disciplines and GIS in your application. Mention any relevant training or certifications that support your expertise in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise
Make sure to highlight your relevant planning degree and any experience you have in infrastructure or utilities projects. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they align with the consultancy's focus on high-profile infrastructure initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll be expected to lead a team. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, mentored junior members, and contributed to their professional development. This will show that you're not just a planner but also a leader.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex planning concepts. Be ready to explain how you've effectively managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the consultancy's culture and values, particularly their commitment to collaboration and personal development. During the interview, express how your own values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've fostered a collaborative environment in your past work.
