Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects, manage applications, and mentor junior staff.
- Company: Join a respected planning consultancy known for personalised service and diverse projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional growth, personal development, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while building strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Chartered RTPI member with private sector experience and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible driving licence requirements; proactive and collaborative approach is essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hampshire + Chichester
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and highly respected planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Planner. This consultancy is known for delivering clear, realistic planning advice with a personal touch, across a diverse range of projects in both rural and urban contexts.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a chartered town planner with proven private sector experience who is ready to lead projects independently, support junior staff, and contribute to business development initiatives. You will take ownership of a varied workload and play an integral role in maintaining and developing strong client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently prepare, submit, and manage planning applications, pre-application advice requests, appeals, enforcement matters, and related consents.
- Conduct site visits, research planning history and policy, and prepare professional written appraisals and advice.
- Produce high-quality planning, design and access, heritage, and related statements.
- Represent clients at planning committees, hearings, and inquiries, including acting as expert witness where appropriate.
- Provide mentoring and oversight for junior colleagues.
- Coordinate consultant teams on small to medium-scale projects.
- Drive business development by managing enquiries, building networks, and attending industry events.
Requirements
- Chartered Member of the RTPI.
- Strong experience in a range of planning projects, ideally within the private sector.
- Commercially aware with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Full driving licence (exceptions can be considered).
- A proactive, collaborative, and client-focused approach.
This is a key position in a consultancy that values professional growth, personal development, and high standards of client service.
Interested in hearing more? For applications, or for more information regarding this opportunity, please send your up-to-date CV to Josh Jones at josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk or call 01792362010.
Principal Town Planner | Associate Town Planner employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner | Associate Town Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who are already working in consultancies. Attend local planning events or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the industry trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning policies and regulations in Hampshire and Chichester. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the local context.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous project experiences in detail, particularly those that showcase your ability to lead and mentor junior staff. Highlight any successful outcomes from your past roles that align with the responsibilities of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your business development skills by thinking of ways you could contribute to the consultancy's growth. Be ready to share ideas on how to build client relationships and expand their network during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner | Associate Town Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a chartered town planner, focusing on your private sector projects. Emphasise your skills in managing planning applications and your ability to mentor junior staff.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your client-focused approach. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Principal Planner role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences.
Highlight Business Development Experience: If you have experience in driving business development or building networks, make sure to include this in your application. Discuss any relevant initiatives you've led or participated in that demonstrate your proactive approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous projects in detail, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage planning applications and lead teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex planning issues.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Skills
Since maintaining strong client relationships is key for this role, think of instances where you've built rapport with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you approach client interactions and ensure their needs are met.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to planning policies, site assessments, and project management. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to discuss how you would handle various planning scenarios.
✨Exhibit Leadership Qualities
As a Principal Planner, you'll need to mentor junior staff. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've supported and developed team members in the past.
