Senior Planner

Senior Planner

Wareham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Penguin Recruitment Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage planning applications, site appraisals, and engage with stakeholders on diverse projects.
  • Company: Join a respected town planning consultancy known for expert advice and strong client relationships.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, pension, private gym membership, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values autonomy, innovation, and career growth in a beautiful location.
  • Qualifications: Chartered RTPI member with 7+ years experience; strong communication and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work on impactful projects across the South of England.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Description

Senior Town Planner – Leading Independent ConsultancyLocation: Wareham, Dorset (Flexible/Hybrid Working Available)Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Pension + Benefits

We're working with a respected and long-established town planning consultancy based in Wareham, supporting their search for a Senior Town Planner to join their collaborative and well-regarded team. This is an excellent opportunity to take on a broad range of high-quality work across the South of England, including planning applications, appeals, site promotion, and strategic land projects.

This firm is known for providing expert planning advice and consultancy services to a loyal and expanding client base of housebuilders, land promoters, local developers and businesses. The team prides itself on its technical depth, practical insight, and strong client relationships.

The Role

You'll be involved in a wide range of planning projects including:

  • Preparing and managing planning applications, site appraisals, and appeals

  • Strategic land promotion and Local Plan representations

  • Project management and stakeholder engagement

  • Community consultation and public exhibitions

  • Drafting and negotiating Section 106 agreements

  • Working closely with colleagues, clients, consultants and local planning authorities

You'll be joining a supportive team where autonomy is encouraged, and you'll have the chance to play a key role in managing projects and developing new and existing client relationships.

About You

We're seeking a commercially minded and technically proficient planner who can deliver high-quality advice and manage complex projects. You should:

  • Be a chartered member of the RTPI

  • Have around 7+ years of post-qualification experience, ideally in both public and private sectors (although flexibility will be given for strong candidates)

  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Understand the motivations of clients and the commercial realities of development

  • Be comfortable working independently while supporting junior members of the team

  • Demonstrate strong time management and organisational skills

  • Hold a full UK driving licence and access to a car

Experience in EIA or urban design is desirable but not essential.

What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary and discretionary bonus

  • Generous pension scheme

  • Private gym membership

  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

  • Supportive team culture with CPD and career progression encouraged

  • Opportunity to work on a variety of planning projects across the South of England

  • Beautiful location in Dorset with excellent quality of life for those considering relocation

If you are ready to take the next step in your planning career and join a consultancy that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, we would love to hear from you.

Contact Sofia Conte email at to apply or learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Senior Planner employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Join a leading independent consultancy in Wareham, Dorset, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that values your expertise as a Senior Town Planner. With flexible working arrangements, a generous benefits package including a competitive salary, pension scheme, and private gym membership, this role offers not only professional growth through diverse planning projects but also the chance to enjoy the beautiful quality of life in Dorset. Be part of a team that prioritises innovation and strong client relationships, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
Penguin Recruitment Ltd

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 town planning sector, especially those who are already working in consultancies. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at the consultancy you're interested in.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with recent planning applications and appeals in the South of England. This will not only enhance your understanding of local issues but also demonstrate your proactive approach and knowledge during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your project management experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and engaged with stakeholders, as this is a key aspect of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your understanding of the commercial realities of development. Be prepared to discuss how you can balance client needs with regulatory requirements, which is crucial for a Senior Planner role.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner

Chartered RTPI Membership
Planning Application Management
Site Appraisal Skills
Appeals Process Knowledge
Strategic Land Promotion
Local Plan Representation
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Community Consultation
Public Exhibition Coordination
Section 106 Agreement Drafting
Client Relationship Management
Excellent Written Communication
Strong Verbal Communication
Time Management
Organisational Skills
Commercial Awareness
Independent Working
Team Support and Mentoring
Driving Licence and Access to a Car
EIA Experience (Desirable)
Urban Design Knowledge (Desirable)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in town planning, particularly your work with planning applications, appeals, and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for town planning and your understanding of the consultancy's values. Mention your chartered membership with the RTPI and how your 7+ years of experience make you a strong candidate for the role.

Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to engage with clients, manage stakeholder relationships, and conduct community consultations effectively.

Showcase Project Management Experience: Detail your experience in managing complex projects and working independently, as well as your ability to support junior team members. This will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be prepared to discuss your 7+ years of post-qualification experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've managed, particularly those involving planning applications and stakeholder engagement, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research the consultancy's values and team dynamics. Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively and support junior members, as they value a supportive team culture where autonomy is encouraged.

✨Demonstrate Communication Skills

Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients and stakeholders in past projects. This will show your understanding of client motivations and commercial realities.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Brush up on your knowledge of planning regulations and processes, especially regarding Section 106 agreements and EIA. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart as a commercially minded planner.

Senior Planner
Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Location: Wareham
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