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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning projects and manage planning applications for residential development.
- Company: Fast-growing planning consultancy with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical cover, hybrid working, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a top 20 UK planning consultancy and make a real impact on regional growth.
- Qualifications: Relevant Planning qualification and strong understanding of the UK planning system.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on trust, autonomy, and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading, fast‑growing planning consultancy in the appointment of a Senior / Principal Planner to join their expanding Leeds team. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take the next step in their career within a well‑established, multi‑disciplinary consultancy that has seen significant growth across the UK in recent years.
The Role
You will join a collaborative planning team delivering strategic planning projects, with a strong focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development. The role offers exposure to a wide range of schemes and the chance to work closely with in‑house specialists in development economics, design, heritage and masterplanning. This position would suit either:
- An experienced Planner ready to step up and help lead major projects,
- A Senior Planner looking to broaden their experience and influence regional growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising on the development potential of land and buildings
- Assisting in the preparation and management of planning applications and appeals
- Providing planning policy advice and undertaking research
- Drafting representations to Local Plan consultations and examinations
- Supporting the identification and promotion of land opportunities
- Working collaboratively with clients, local authorities and external consultants
- Supporting business development and client relationship management
- Involvement in Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations where required
About You
- A relevant Planning qualification
- RTPI membership (or working towards it)
- Strong understanding of the UK planning system and development management process
- Excellent written skills with high attention to detail
- Confident communicator with a professional, approachable manner
- Proactive, enthusiastic and a strong team player
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Private medical cover and payment of relevant professional subscriptions
- Hybrid and agile working with flexibility around working patterns
- Opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and clients
- Clear scope for career progression within a growing regional team
- A supportive culture built on trust, autonomy and collaboration
This consultancy is now recognised as a top 20 UK planning consultancy, with over 50 planners nationwide, and continues to invest in regional growth across the North.
Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Principal Planner in Leeds employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups to connect with other planning professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to their company.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects and achievements in planning. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Planner role. Highlight your planning qualifications, RTPI membership, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can contribute to our collaborative team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about planning and how your background aligns with our consultancy's goals. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Principal Planner, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and local authorities. In your application, make sure to showcase your written communication skills. Clear, concise language will help us see your attention to detail and professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK planning system and development management process. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients and local authorities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships or resolved conflicts in past projects. This will demonstrate your ability to be a confident communicator.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific planning challenges or scenarios. Think about potential land promotion issues or planning application hurdles and how you would approach them. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with a collaborative team. Share examples of how you've contributed to team success in previous roles, whether through mentoring, leading projects, or simply being a supportive colleague. This will show that you're a proactive team player who fits well with their culture.
