Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert planning advice and support to professionals and the public.
- Company: Award-winning consultancy with a focus on professional services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, pension scheme, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in planning consultancy.
- Qualifications: BA degree or RTPI-accredited qualification with 2 years' experience.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong emphasis on training and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.
Location: Birmingham (Agile Working)
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Professional Services
The Role
An award-winning, market-leading specialist consultancy is seeking a Senior Planning Consultant to join its expanding Professional Services Team due to sustained growth. Based in Birmingham, the role operates under an Agile Working Policy, requiring attendance at the Birmingham office as business needs dictate, alongside flexibility to work outside traditional office hours when required.
Reporting to a Principal Planning Consultant, you will play a key role in delivering specialist planning services to planning professionals, developers, local planning authorities, applicants, and members of the public. A significant aspect of the role involves providing expert advice via a national online planning platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing online and remote planning advice on general and complex planning matters
- Supporting the wider Planning Services Team by responding to planning queries
- Preparing for and contributing to customer meetings through policy and planning history research
- Producing high-quality written summaries, planning consultancy reports, and recommendations
- Completing delegated and committee planning application reports in line with KPIs, including:
- Household extensions
- Lawful Development Certificates
- Prior Notifications
- Advertisement Consents
- Changes of Use
What We’re Looking For
- A relevant BA degree or equivalent RTPI-accredited planning qualification
- Minimum 2 years’ experience within a Local Planning Authority, private consultancy, or a combination of both
- Strong technical planning knowledge with the ability to assess proposals against local, regional, and national policy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence advising professionals and the public
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and work to strict deadlines in a production-led environment
- High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and quality
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- Commitment to continuing professional development and staying up to date with planning policy changes
- Desirable: Experience providing guidance or leadership within a planning team
- Eligibility for RTPI membership
- Full UK driving licence
Why Apply?
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
- Pension scheme, life assurance, and employee assistance programme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Genuine flexibility through an Agile Working approach
- Strong emphasis on training, development, and career progression
- Supportive, inclusive, and people-focused working culture
Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Senior Planning Consultant in Birmingham employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Consultant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent work and think about how your skills can contribute to their success. This will show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the Senior Planning Consultant role. Keep it concise but impactful, highlighting your technical knowledge and stakeholder management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Consultant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience in planning consultancy or local planning authorities. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of authenticity can go a long way in making your application stand out from the crowd.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people quickly, and you’ll find all the necessary information there to guide you through the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on local, regional, and national planning policies before your interview. Being able to discuss how these policies impact the role of a Senior Planning Consultant will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also ready to provide expert advice.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about some complex planning matters you've dealt with in the past. Be ready to share specific examples during the interview, highlighting your problem-solving skills and how you navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves advising various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation or summary of a planning report to showcase your written and verbal communication skills during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
The consultancy values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success, whether through mentoring, sharing knowledge, or collaborating on projects. This will highlight your commitment to a supportive work culture.
