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- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and mentor a growing team in Newcastle.
- Company: Join a leading multidisciplinary consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced leave, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape impactful projects across diverse sectors while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning applications and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for real autonomy and no ceiling on progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Penguin Recruitment is excited to partner with a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in search of a Principal Planner to join their expanding planning team in Newcastle. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to lead complex planning projects, manage and develop a growing team, and play a key role in shaping and expanding the planning services across the business.
As a Principal Planner, you will take ownership of major commissions from early strategy through to planning consent, acting as the senior planning lead for clients and stakeholders. You will contribute to business development, resourcing, and quality assurance, while helping to drive growth within the planning team. The role offers exposure to an exciting and diverse portfolio including residential developments, environmental and marine projects, commercial and industrial schemes, renewables and energy infrastructure, major infrastructure and consenting, and stakeholder engagement. Although based in Newcastle, the team supports projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, alongside a strong local client base.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning strategy and delivery on major and complex projects
- Manage and mentor junior planners, supporting team performance
- Oversee and coordinate a wide range of planning and consenting submissions
- Act as senior planning point of contact for clients
- Lead stakeholder engagement with LPAs, statutory consultees, communities, and political stakeholders
- Manage project budgets, programmes, and governance
- Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions
- Collaborate with internal engineering, transport, environmental, and design teams to deliver integrated outcomes
As Principal Planner, you will ensure projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest technical standards and client satisfaction. You will be a visible leader within the planning team, helping to foster a collaborative culture and support professional development.
About You
Essential:
- Proven track record leading major and complex planning applications from pre-application through to determination
- Strong client management experience
- Demonstrable people leadership (mentoring, line management, or leading teams/programmes)
- Degree in Town Planning or related discipline
- MRTPI Chartered (or operating at Chartered level with a clear route to completion)
- Strong understanding of planning policy, development management, and the wider regulatory environment
- Confident written and verbal communication skills
Desirable:
- Experience or exposure to EIA projects
- Commercial awareness and experience managing fees and budgets
- An established professional network
This Principal Planner role offers a senior leadership position with real autonomy and no ceiling on progression. You will work on high-profile, technically diverse projects while enjoying flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced annual leave, pension, private healthcare, and professional subscriptions. The consultancy provides structured CPD and fosters a culture focused on quality, integrity, and sustainable outcomes.
For further details or to apply, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.
Principal Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you land an interview, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning projects. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or managed client relationships. We want to see your passion for planning shine through!
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
As a Principal Planner, you'll be dealing with various stakeholders. Brush up on your communication skills and prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with clients and communities in the past. We love to see candidates who can build strong relationships!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and help shape the future of planning.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading complex planning projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Planner, you'll be managing and mentoring junior planners. Use your application to demonstrate your people leadership experience. Share examples of how you've supported team performance and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
Highlight Client Management Experience: This role involves acting as the senior planning point of contact for clients. Make sure to include specific instances where you've successfully managed client relationships and delivered on their needs. We love seeing strong client management skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of projects the consultancy is involved in. Familiarise yourself with their recent work, especially in residential developments and environmental projects. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their ongoing success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior planners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and professional development within your team, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the importance of stakeholder engagement in this role, be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with clients, local authorities, and communities. Think of specific instances where you navigated complex stakeholder dynamics and how you ensured successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Understanding the financial aspects of planning projects is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with project budgets, fee proposals, and tender submissions. Showing that you can balance technical excellence with commercial viability will set you apart from other candidates.
