At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and provide expert advice to clients.
- Company: Respected planning consultancy known for quality service and diverse projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning while mentoring junior team members.
- Qualifications: RTPI-accredited degree, MRTPI status, and relevant planning experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with opportunities for business development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an established and well-respected planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Town Planner to join their Milton Keynes office. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a senior, client-facing role within a consultancy known for its high-quality service, diverse project portfolio, and supportive team culture.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Opportunity to lead and manage a range of high-profile projects
- Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
The Role
As a Principal Town Planner, you'll take the lead on a range of complex and high-value planning projects across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors. You'll act as a trusted advisor to clients, oversee project teams, and provide strategic planning advice from inception through to delivery. The position also offers opportunities to contribute to business development and mentor junior members of the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and managing planning applications, appeals, and development strategies
- Providing expert planning advice to clients, landowners, and developers
- Preparing planning statements, appraisals, and policy representations
- Representing clients at planning committees, hearings, and public inquiries
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members to foster their development
- Identifying new business opportunities and supporting company growth initiatives
About You
The successful Principal Town Planner will be commercially astute, confident in managing client relationships, and capable of delivering high-quality planning outcomes. You'll bring a combination of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking to help shape the future success of the team.
Requirements
- RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification
- MRTPI chartered status (essential)
- Relevant experience in planning, ideally in a private consultancy environment
- Proven ability to manage projects, clients, and multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation and procedures
- Strong communication and report-writing skills
- A proactive and motivated approach to work and business development
This is a great opportunity for an ambitious Principal Town Planner seeking to take the next step in their career, working within a respected consultancy on exciting and diverse projects. If you are interested in this Principal Town Planner position, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.
Principal Town Planner in Milton Keynes) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner in Milton Keynes)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meet-ups to connect with fellow planners and potential employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out as a top candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance at landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner in Milton Keynes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Town Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in planning, especially in a consultancy environment, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 role. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Principal Town Planner, strong communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Whether it's through your CV, cover letter, or any additional documents, let us see your writing prowess!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of UK planning legislation and procedures. Being able to discuss recent changes or relevant case studies will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re also engaged with the current landscape of town planning.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of projects you've managed, especially those that involved complex planning applications or client interactions. Highlight your role in these projects and how you navigated challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead and manage effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Client Relationship Skills
Think about times when you've successfully built relationships with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to share anecdotes that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively and provide strategic advice, as this is crucial for a Principal Town Planner.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their approach to mentoring junior team members or how they envision the future of their project portfolio. It shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.