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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects and manage your own caseload while collaborating with senior staff.
- Company: Join a leading independent planning consultancy with offices in Chester, Newcastle, and Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, work on exciting projects, and influence company decisions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and 5-10 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Opportunities for ongoing professional development and a people-focused company culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for a Senior Consultant Planner to join their dynamic and growing team. With offices based in Chester, Newcastle, and Manchester, this is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner to take the next step in their career and work on a wide range of exciting projects across the UK.
The Role
As a Senior Consultant Planner, you will play a key role in delivering planning consultancy services across a diverse portfolio of developments. This includes working alongside Directors and senior staff on major schemes, as well as taking the lead on smaller and medium-scale planning applications.
Key responsibilities:
- Supporting senior staff on large-scale planning projects
- Managing your own caseload of planning applications
- Undertaking research and producing site appraisals
- Drafting planning reports, development plan representations, policy notes, and environmental statements
- Engaging with local authorities, statutory consultees, third parties, and clients
- Building and nurturing client relationships
- Contributing innovative solutions and ideas to planning challenges
- Managing budgets and timelines for small to medium-sized projects
- Keeping up to date with relevant planning policy and legislation
- Attending and presenting at external events and client meetings
About You
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious planner with the following:
- A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
- 5-10 years of planning experience in the private or public sector
- Strong technical knowledge of planning policy and legislation
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills
- Confidence in presenting and representing clients
- A proactive, creative, and solutions-focused mindset
What's On Offer
You'll benefit from a supportive and collaborative environment with:
- Competitive salary and annual performance-related bonus
- Generous pension contributions and private healthcare
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements (home and office-based)
- Full payment of professional fees
- Opportunities for ongoing CPD and clear progression routes
- Annual social events and a people-focused company culture
- Employee Ownership Trust status, which includes tax-free bonuses and influence over company decisions
This consultancy is committed to creating a balanced and flexible working environment and places genuine value on professional development and team wellbeing.
Interested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who work in or have connections to Newcastle. Attend local planning events or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the consultancy landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects and clients that the consultancy has worked with. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing planning applications and your approach to client relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the UK. Being knowledgeable about current trends and changes will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute effectively from day one.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning consultancy. Emphasise your technical knowledge of planning policy and legislation, as well as any specific projects you've managed that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying to this consultancy. Mention your 5-10 years of experience and how it has prepared you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, include examples in your application that demonstrate your report-writing skills and your ability to engage with clients and local authorities.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, provide specific examples of how you've contributed innovative solutions to planning challenges in previous roles. This will show your proactive and creative mindset, which is highly valued by the consultancy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on in the past. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to the success of those projects. This will demonstrate your practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Planner, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex planning issues or presenting ideas.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the consultancy's current projects, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
