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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage strategic planning projects that shape sustainable communities.
- Company: Respected planning and design consultancy in Nottingham with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and clear progression pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: MRTPI status and experience in planning consultancy or local authority roles.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to high-quality placemaking and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Nottingham
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be working with a well-established and respected planning and design consultancy based in Nottingham. They are known for delivering innovative, high-quality projects across the UK, and their office is now seeking a Principal Planner to join their senior team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a collaborative, high-profile environment where planners work alongside urban designers, architects, and major clients to help shape sustainable, meaningful places.
The Benefits
- Competitive salary tailored to experience
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
- Excellent professional development support, including RTPI CPD
- Opportunities to lead nationally significant and complex projects
- Inclusive and supportive team culture
- Clear progression pathway within a well-regarded consultancy
The Role
As a Principal Planner, you will take a leadership role in delivering strategic and complex planning projects across sectors such as residential, commercial, regeneration, infrastructure, and mixed-use developments. You will manage client relationships, guide multidisciplinary teams, and influence projects from inception to delivery.
Responsibilities
- Leading, managing, and securing major planning projects
- Preparing, coordinating, and submitting complex planning applications
- Providing high-level planning advice, strategies, and policy guidance
- Preparing planning statements, supporting documents, and proofs of evidence
- Engaging with senior clients, local authorities, and stakeholders
- Mentoring and developing senior and junior team members
- Driving best practice and contributing to the strategic growth of the Nottingham office
About You
We’re looking for a senior planning professional who brings:
- MRTPI status
- Significant experience in planning consultancy, local authority, or client-side roles
- Proven track record delivering large-scale and complex development projects
- Excellent report writing, project management, and leadership skills
- Confidence in managing client relationships and influencing stakeholders
- Strategic thinking, proactive approach, and passion for high-quality placemaking
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected planning consultancy where your expertise, leadership, and career ambitions will be fully supported. If you’re interested in this Principal Planner role, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.
Senior Planner / Principal Planner / Associate Planner in Nottingham) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner / Principal Planner / Associate Planner in Nottingham)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning industry! Attend local 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 get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience with large-scale projects and your MRTPI status. We want to see you shine and demonstrate how your skills can contribute to their team!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the consultancy and their recent projects. Be ready to discuss how you can lead and manage complex planning applications. We suggest practising common interview questions and preparing some insightful questions of your own to show your interest!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we often have exclusive listings. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner / Principal Planner / Associate Planner in Nottingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI status and any significant projects you've led, as this will catch our eye!
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 experience makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience in managing complex projects. We want to see examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges and delivered results in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the types of projects the consultancy has worked on. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their past and current projects, especially in residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll be expected to lead teams and manage client relationships. Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully guided multidisciplinary teams through complex planning projects.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in engaging with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you influenced project outcomes or navigated challenges, as this will show your strategic thinking and proactive approach.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about planning policies, strategies, and best practices. Brush up on relevant legislation and be prepared to discuss how you would approach preparing and submitting complex planning applications.
