At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning consultancy services and drive growth in Northamptonshire.
- Company: Join a leading multidisciplinary land and property consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, 35 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in urban development while mentoring the next generation of planners.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with proven experience in planning consultancy and business development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Location: Northampton
About the Company
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary land and property consultancy with offices across the Midlands. The business delivers a wide range of services including planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation, and business consultancy, helping clients maximise the value and potential of their assets. You will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary development team made up of planners, engineers, surveyors, archaeologists, and architects. The organisation offers the ideal balance between scale and agility - large enough to deliver diverse, high-quality projects, yet small enough to provide autonomy, visibility, and genuine cross-disciplinary collaboration. Due to strategic growth within the Kettering office, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Planning Consultant to help establish and expand the planning and development presence across Northamptonshire.
The Role
This is a senior-level position combining strategic leadership, business development, and hands‑on planning consultancy delivery. You will act as a key figure within the Kettering office, driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing market presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the lead planning expert within the Kettering office
- Deliver planning consultancy services across a variety of sectors
- Provide both general and strategic planning advice to clients
- Coordinate and prepare planning applications with internal teams
- Manage post‑planning negotiations, appeals, and related processes
- Oversee development lifecycle stages including technical design, procurement, and construction‑phase input
- Lead multidisciplinary project teams, managing delivery, risk, and programme performance
- Support and mentor junior team members to develop technical capability
Strategic & Business Development
- Drive growth of the planning and development offer across Northamptonshire
- Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, landowners, promoters, and agents
- Cross‑sell complementary services including land promotion, valuation, and agency work
- Increase brand awareness and generate new instructions
- Identify opportunities to diversify services and expand into new markets
- Improve operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability
- Strengthen integration across the wider service offering
About You
We are seeking an experienced planning professional with strong leadership and commercial capability.
Essential Requirements
- MRTPI qualified (or equivalent)
- Proven experience in planning consultancy and development‑led work
- Track record of business development, networking, or team growth
- Strong understanding of the full development process
- Experience in post‑planning, technical design, and project delivery
- Excellent project management and coordination skills
- Full UK driving licence
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail
- Confident decision‑maker and problem solver
- Strong communicator and relationship builder
- Commercially aware and growth‑focused
- Resilient, adaptable, and proactive
- Passion for innovation and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Private healthcare (BUPA)
- 35 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Additional birthday day off
- Extra holiday for long service
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension scheme (NEST)
- Professional membership fees paid + CPD support
- Employee Assistance Programme + health plan + flu jab
- Agile and flexible working culture
- EV and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes
Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Principal Town Planner in Northampton employer: Northampton Business Directory
Join a leading multidisciplinary land and property consultancy in Northampton, where you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values autonomy and cross-disciplinary teamwork. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers competitive salaries, extensive benefits including private healthcare and generous holiday allowances, and a culture that promotes innovation and flexibility. This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Town Planner to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work atmosphere and opportunities for professional development.
Contact Detail:
Northampton Business Directory Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner in Northampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in planning consultancy. Share specific examples of projects you've led or challenges you've overcome to demonstrate your value.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects and values. Practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with their needs. Confidence is key, so show them you’re the right fit!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Town Planner role! We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Town Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI qualification and any relevant planning consultancy experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for planning and how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team. Don’t forget to mention your business development successes!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior-level position, we want to see your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've mentored junior team members or led successful projects in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton Business Directory
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning consultancy knowledge, especially around the development process. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in Northamptonshire and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Town Planner, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to mentor junior members and drive growth.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves strengthening client relationships, think about how you can convey your networking skills. Be ready to share instances where you've built strong connections with developers, landowners, or other stakeholders.
✨Be Strategic and Commercially Aware
The hiring manager will be looking for someone who is not just technically proficient but also commercially savvy. Prepare to discuss how you've identified business development opportunities in previous roles and how you plan to enhance the firm's market presence.
