Associate Town Planner in Guildford

Location: Kent or Gatwick

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded multidisciplinary consultancy in the search for an Associate Town Planner to join its growing Planning team in Gatwick or Kent. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and commercially minded planning professional looking to take the next step in their career.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering a diverse range of projects, leading medium-sized developments independently while supporting Directors on larger and more complex schemes. Working within a collaborative multidisciplinary environment, you will have the opportunity to manage projects from inception through to completion, develop strong client relationships, and contribute to the continued success and growth of the planning team.

The Role

As an Associate Town Planner, you will take ownership of a varied portfolio of projects and provide expert planning advice to clients across a range of sectors. You will work closely with Directors, clients, external consultants and colleagues from across the wider business to deliver successful planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading medium-sized planning projects from initial instruction through to completion.
• Supporting Directors on larger and more complex developments.
• Attending client meetings and acting as a key point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Liaising with external consultants and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the effective delivery of projects.
• Preparing and reviewing planning applications, appeals and supporting documentation.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with local planning authorities and key stakeholders.
• Providing guidance and support to junior members of the team where required.
• Contributing to the continued growth and development of the planning function.

Candidate Requirements

• A strong and well-rounded understanding of the UK planning system and the operation of local government.
• A minimum of five years’ experience working within the planning industry, either in consultancy or the public sector.
• MRTPI chartered status.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with clients and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A full UK driving licence.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Employer pension contributions.
• Professional membership fees paid.
• Gym membership.
• Complimentary on-site breakfast and refreshments.
• Aviva health and wellbeing package.
• Cycle-to-work and technology schemes.
• Life assurance.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established and growing consultancy with an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality projects across multiple sectors. You’ll benefit from a supportive and collaborative working environment, exposure to a varied project portfolio, and clear opportunities for continued career progression and professional development.