Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering environmental planning services and manage project coordination.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on achieving Net Zero in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health perks, generous leave, and an annual bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team making a real impact on the environment and communities.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant planning degree and MRTPI membership; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and mentoring junior staff.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Stamford
Penguin Recruitment are delighted to be supporting an exciting client in the Utilities and Infrastructure industry, who are committed to bringing the UK and Ireland closer to Net Zero every day. Their land, environmental and geospatial experts work together to unlock the consents needed by our clients to deliver key projects. Their services include land access and assembly, agricultural liaison, planning, environmental impact assessments and geospatial mapping.
The Environmental and Planning Team is looking for an experienced Senior/Principal Planner to bolster the existing planning expertise in this busy and exciting part of the business which is continuing to grow.
Candidates are required to:
- Have a relevant planning degree and have achieved chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
- Have sound analytical and presentation skills coupled with great written and verbal communication skills; ideally you will be able to write and prepare fee proposals for the work you undertake and advise others when inputting into larger multi-disciplinary projects.
- Be commercially aware, enabling you to understand client needs and requirements when undertaking negotiations with stakeholders.
- Be an excellent communicator with the willingness to learn and develop.
- Have good knowledge of GIS systems and an understanding of environmental technical disciplines.
- Be self-motivated and organised.
- Have a full UK driving licence.
What does the role involve?
- Lead or manage a small team to deliver a range of environmental planning services with a focus on technical Planning specialisms for projects and sites with varying levels of environmental sensitivities, including feasibility assessments, screening, scoping, planning and coordinating projects in line with relevant Environmental and Planning related guidance, legislation and policy as applied in UK, providing advice and preparing and delivering a range of planning and technical related reports; including planning applications.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with a range of internal and external project stakeholders including client teams, technical specialists and Local Authority planning officers whilst also drawing on the expertise of specialist colleagues, attending relevant meetings and site visits.
- Reporting directly to the client, take ownership of own/team performance in meeting deadlines and objectives and use a proactive approach and own high level initiative to drive progress and continuously improve delivery.
- Offer the wider Environmental and Planning team assistance on other projects and actively support team and wider business development, using own experienced skills to provide guidance on complex cases, seek efficiency gains and identify areas of new work and ways to cross-sell wider company services.
- Maintain own knowledge and skills via company and wider CPD and, if working towards professional membership or qualification (e.g. RTPI), take responsibility for own learning and progress, scheduling progress review meetings and maintaining an up to date record of activities.
- Monitor, support and coordinate the work and development of more junior members of staff and, if applicable, provide constructive line management to own line reports, engaging in regular progress review and feedback meetings, delegating tasks effectively and showing genuine interest in their welfare and development whilst also being able to hold difficult conversations.
- Participate in and actively support company groups, initiatives, events and socials, promoting DM's values and always engendering a positive attitude within the workplace.
- Carry out work in compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, contractual and organisational requirements and policies.
What does the role offer?
- Annual bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus 1 day to celebrate your birthday
- Vitality Health Membership (including Private healthcare, subsidised gym membership and other discounts)
- Flexible working through our 'Flexible Advantage' supporting working families & your work/life balance
- Pension Scheme via The Peoples Pension
- Life insurance (4x Base Salary)
- Free on-site parking in non-city centre offices
- Cycle to work scheme
- 26 Weeks paid Maternity Leave
- 2 Weeks paid Paternity Leave
- BHN Extras - provides discounted gift cards for hundreds of popular retailers
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (provided by Octopus Electric)
If this Senior Planner/Principal Planner role is of interest, please contact Joel Bland to discuss further.
Senior Planner/Principal Planner employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner/Principal Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest environmental legislation and planning policies in the UK. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the utilities and infrastructure sector. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with GIS systems and environmental assessments in conversations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully applied these skills, as this will highlight your practical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can contribute to team development and mentoring junior staff. Highlight any previous leadership experiences, as this role involves managing a small team and supporting their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner/Principal Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant planning degree and chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI). Emphasise your analytical skills, communication abilities, and experience in preparing fee proposals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the Utilities and Infrastructure industry. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your ability to manage environmental planning services and your knowledge of GIS systems.
Showcase Team Leadership Skills: If you have experience leading teams, be sure to include examples of how you've managed projects and supported junior staff. Highlight your proactive approach and ability to meet deadlines while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise
Make sure to highlight your relevant planning degree and your chartered membership with the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI). Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied your planning skills, especially in environmental contexts.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas to clients or stakeholders in the past.
✨Understand Client Needs
Research the company and its clients to understand their goals, particularly regarding Net Zero initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can meet client needs and contribute to negotiations with stakeholders effectively.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
As this role involves leading a team, think about your leadership style and experiences. Be ready to share examples of how you've supported junior staff, managed projects, and fostered a positive team environment.
