Principal to Associate Director (Town Planning) in Peterborough

Are you looking for a role where your ideas are valued, your career has no ceiling, and you'll have the autonomy to make a real impact? A respected independent planning consultancy is looking to appoint a Principal Planner or Associate Director to join its growing Peterborough office. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner who enjoys taking ownership of projects, developing client relationships and helping shape the future of a collaborative, ambitious business.

Working alongside a highly experienced leadership team, you’ll benefit from genuine flexibility, a varied workload and clear opportunities to progress as the business continues to expand.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You’ll lead a diverse range of planning projects across the residential sector, while also gaining exposure to commercial, healthcare, leisure and mixed-use developments.
• The role offers a balance of project delivery, strategic planning advice and client management, with the opportunity to contribute to business growth without the pressure of unrealistic sales targets.
• You’ll also play an important role in mentoring junior planners and supporting the continued success of the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing planning applications, appeals and strategic planning projects from inception to completion.
• Providing planning advice to developers, landowners, investors and public sector organisations.
• Preparing and reviewing planning statements, site appraisals and appeal submissions.
• Building trusted relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Supporting business development activities and identifying new opportunities.
• Mentoring and developing junior members of the planning team.
• Working closely with senior colleagues to help drive the continued growth of the practice.

About You

• MRTPI Chartered Planner (or working towards chartership if applying at Principal level).
• Strong planning experience gained within consultancy, development or the public sector.
• Confident managing projects independently and delivering high-quality planning advice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness with an interest in contributing to business growth.
• Previous experience mentoring junior planners would be advantageous.
• Experience across residential development is essential, with exposure to wider sectors considered a bonus.

Why Apply?

• Join a well-established independent consultancy with ambitious growth plans.
• Hybrid working and genuine flexibility to support work-life balance.
• High levels of trust, responsibility and autonomy.
• A varied portfolio of planning projects with high-profile clients.
• Competitive salary and rewarding bonus structure.
• Clear progression from Principal through to Associate Director and beyond.
• Potential for equity participation as your career develops.

Whether you’re an established Principal Planner looking for the next step or an Associate Director seeking a fresh challenge within a supportive and entrepreneurial environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to build a long-term career where your contribution will genuinely make a difference.