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- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and mentor a growing team in Newcastle.
- Company: Join a leading multidisciplinary consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced leave, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape impactful projects across diverse sectors while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning applications and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for real autonomy and no ceiling on progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Penguin Recruitment is excited to partner with a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in search of a Principal Planner to join their expanding planning team in Newcastle. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to lead complex planning projects, manage and develop a growing team, and play a key role in shaping and expanding the planning services across the business.
As a Principal Planner, you will take ownership of major commissions from early strategy through to planning consent, acting as the senior planning lead for clients and stakeholders. You will contribute to business development, resourcing, and quality assurance, while helping to drive growth within the planning team. The role offers exposure to an exciting and diverse portfolio including residential developments, environmental and marine projects, commercial and industrial schemes, renewables and energy infrastructure, major infrastructure and consenting, and stakeholder engagement. Although based in Newcastle, the team supports projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, alongside a strong local client base.
Responsibilities
- Lead planning strategy and delivery on major and complex projects
- Manage and mentor junior planners, supporting team performance
- Oversee and coordinate a wide range of planning and consenting submissions
- Act as senior planning point of contact for clients
- Lead stakeholder engagement with LPAs, statutory consultees, communities, and political stakeholders
- Manage project budgets, programmes, and governance
- Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions
- Collaborate with internal engineering, transport, environmental, and design teams to deliver integrated outcomes
As Principal Planner, you will ensure projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest technical standards and client satisfaction. You will be a visible leader within the planning team, helping to foster a collaborative culture and support professional development.
About You
Essential:
- Proven track record leading major and complex planning applications from pre-application through to determination
- Strong client management experience
- Demonstrable people leadership (mentoring, line management, or leading teams/programmes)
- Degree in Town Planning or related discipline
- MRTPI Chartered (or operating at Chartered level with a clear route to completion)
- Strong understanding of planning policy, development management, and the wider regulatory environment
- Confident written and verbal communication skills
Desirable:
- Experience or exposure to EIA projects
- Commercial awareness and experience managing fees and budgets
- An established professional network
This Principal Planner role offers a senior leadership position with real autonomy and no ceiling on progression. You will work on high-profile, technically diverse projects while enjoying flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced annual leave, pension, private healthcare, and professional subscriptions. The consultancy provides structured CPD and fosters a culture focused on quality, integrity, and sustainable outcomes.
For further details or to apply, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.
Principal Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meet-ups to connect with other professionals in planning. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in planning. This will not only impress potential employers but also give you confidence during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in leading complex planning applications and managing teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading complex planning projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Planner, you’ll be managing and mentoring junior planners. Use your application to demonstrate your people leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've supported team performance and fostered collaboration.
Highlight Client Management Experience: This role requires strong client management skills, so make sure to include any relevant experiences where you've acted as a senior point of contact for clients. We love seeing how you’ve built relationships and managed expectations!
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the consultancy handles. Familiarise yourself with their recent work in residential developments, environmental projects, and major infrastructure schemes. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and supporting junior planners, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the importance of stakeholder engagement in this role, be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with clients, local authorities, and communities. Think of specific instances where you navigated complex stakeholder dynamics and how you achieved positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Understanding the financial aspects of planning is crucial. Be prepared to talk about your experience with project budgets, fee proposals, and tender submissions. Showing that you can balance technical excellence with commercial viability will set you apart from other candidates.
