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- Tasks: Lead planning consultancy services and drive growth in Northamptonshire.
- Company: Dynamic multidisciplinary land and property consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, 35 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while collaborating with diverse professionals.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning consultancy and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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. 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.
- 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
- Drive growth of the planning and development offer across Northamptonshire
- Cross-sell complementary services including land promotion, valuation, and agency work
- Increase brand awareness and generate new instructions
We are seeking an experienced planning professional with strong leadership and commercial capability.
- Proven experience in planning consultancy and development-led work
- Track record of business development, networking, or team growth
- Experience in post-planning, technical design, and project delivery
- Excellent project management and coordination skills
- Full UK driving licence
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.
The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP.
Town Planner/planning Officer in Northampton employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Town Planner/planning Officer in Northampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning industry! Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in planning consultancy and project delivery. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or managed successful projects. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects and values. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially in areas like business development and multidisciplinary collaboration. We recommend practising common interview questions to boost your confidence!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s get you that Principal Planning Consultant role!
We think you need these skills to ace Town Planner/planning Officer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Principal Town Planner. Highlight your relevant experience in planning consultancy and business development, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this position. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description and show your enthusiasm for joining our multidisciplinary team.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: Since project management is key for this role, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Talk about your coordination skills and how you’ve led teams to deliver results.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning consultancy knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in urban development and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate professional who understands the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you managed challenges and drove growth, as this will resonate well with the hiring manager.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific planning scenarios or client negotiations. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare your responses. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company's future projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.