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- Tasks: Lead planning consultancy projects and mentor junior team members while driving strategic growth.
- Company: Join a leading multi-disciplinary property consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, private healthcare, and 35 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning and development in a dynamic, client-facing role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning consultancy and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with a mix of office and remote work.
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multi-disciplinary property and land consultancy in the Midlands with the appointment of a Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead. This well-established consultancy provides integrated services across planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation, and business consultancy. With a strong regional presence and a collaborative, multi-disciplinary development team, the business combines the breadth of a larger consultancy with the autonomy and close-knit culture of a smaller practice.
Due to strategic growth ambitions within the Kettering office, they are seeking a senior planning professional with a proven track record of driving growth, building teams, and establishing a strong market presence.
The Role
This is a senior, client-facing role combining technical delivery, team leadership, and strategic business development. You will act as the internal figurehead for planning and development within the Kettering office and play a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the consultancy’s regional planning offer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the technical lead and internal authority on planning and development matters
- Deliver planning consultancy across a range of sectors, including strategic and development planning advice
- Coordinate and prepare planning applications, provide expert client advice, and manage post-planning negotiations and appeals
- Demonstrate strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, including technical design, procurement, and construction-phase services
- Lead and coordinate internal and external project teams, managing risk, programmes, and delivery
- Support and mentor junior team members, contributing to capability growth
- Shape operational processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability
Strategic Growth Responsibilities:
- Develop a deep understanding of the consultancy’s service offerings and how they integrate to provide a unique client proposition
- Cross-sell services such as land promotion, agency, and valuation
- Drive marketing, business development, and brand awareness across Northamptonshire
- Build and leverage a strong network of developers, landowners, promoters, and agents
- Increase the volume and quality of planning and development instructions
- Identify opportunities to diversify service offerings and target markets
Person Specification:
- Proven experience in planning consultancy and development leadership
- Excellent people management and team-building capabilities
- Strong strategic thinking with attention to detail
- Confident decision-maker with strong problem-solving skills
- Resilient, adaptable, and commercially minded
- Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement
- MRTPI (or equivalent relevant qualification)
- Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, worked flexibly Monday-Friday in line with an agile working philosophy.
Benefits Package:
- Competitive salary reflective of experience and qualifications
- Professional membership fees paid and funded CPD and training
- Private healthcare scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme, health plan, and annual flu jab
- Agile working with a mix of office and remote work
- 35 days annual leave
Principal Planning Consultant/Development Lead in Northampton employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Consultant/Development Lead in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your projects and achievements. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in planning and development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Consultant/Development Lead in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Principal Planning Consultant role. Highlight your achievements in planning consultancy and team leadership to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about planning and development, and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities. Share examples of how you've driven growth or improved processes in previous roles. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious plans at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the consultancy's services and how they fit together. Brush up on your knowledge of planning, architecture, and development processes, as well as any recent projects they've completed. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive growth. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or mentored junior staff. Highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to impress them.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building relationships is key in this role, think about how you can leverage your existing network. Be ready to discuss how you've previously engaged with developers, landowners, and agents. This will illustrate your capability to enhance their market presence and drive business development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the consultancy's goals and challenges. Inquire about their strategic growth plans or how they integrate different service offerings. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as someone who thinks critically about the role.