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- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering expert planning for major infrastructure projects.
- 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 innovative ideas.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant planning degree and Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
- Other info: Opportunities for mentoring and professional development are available.
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 Role
- 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.
About You
- 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.
Benefits
- 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? The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Principal Planner employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the infrastructure and utilities sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Penguin Recruitment.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and regulations in environmental planning and infrastructure projects. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led a project or mentored junior staff, as this aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commercial awareness by understanding the consultancy's business model and how they deliver value to clients. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to business development and cross-selling opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in planning, particularly within infrastructure and utilities. Emphasise your Chartered Membership of the RTPI and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the consultancy's mission towards Net Zero by 2050. Mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to their collaborative culture.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on your communication, stakeholder management, and report-writing skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed planning applications and 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, focusing on your role and the outcomes.
✨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.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex planning concepts or stakeholder management strategies.
✨Understand the Company's Vision
Research Penguin Recruitment and their projects, particularly those related to Net Zero initiatives. Showing that you align with their forward-thinking and collaborative culture will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
