At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects from appraisal to submission and manage client relationships.
- Company: Established consultancy with a focus on diverse development projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Ongoing professional development and strong client exposure.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while developing your career in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: RTPI accredited degree and strong experience in planning consultancy.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Town Planner to join a well-established consultancy working across a broad portfolio of residential, commercial, strategic land, and mixed-use developments. The successful candidate will play a key role in project delivery, client management, and strategic planning advice while working within a collaborative and professional environment.
THE ROLE
As a Senior Town Planner, you will lead on planning projects from initial appraisal through to submission, negotiation, and determination. You will manage client relationships, provide strategic planning advice, and support junior colleagues while continuing to develop your career as a Senior Town Planner within a growing consultancy environment. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a diverse range of private sector clients, helping to unlock development opportunities and navigate complex planning challenges.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leading and managing planning applications and appeals
- Preparing and reviewing high-quality planning reports and supporting documentation
- Providing strategic planning advice across a range of development projects
- Undertaking site appraisals and development feasibility assessments
- Managing client relationships and acting as a key point of contact
- Liaising with Local Planning Authorities and key stakeholders
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members
- Attending client meetings, consultations, and site visits
- Contributing to business development and networking activities
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- RTPI accredited degree in Town Planning or related discipline
- MRTPI qualified or working towards Chartership
- Strong experience within a planning consultancy or similar environment
- Excellent understanding of the UK planning system and planning policy
- Strong communication, negotiation, and client-facing skills
- Proven ability to manage projects and deadlines effectively
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
WHAT'S ON OFFER
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work on a diverse range of planning projects
- Supportive and collaborative consultancy environment
- Clear progression opportunities
- Ongoing professional development and career support
- Strong client exposure and project responsibility
Senior Planner in Oxford) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Join a leading consultancy in Oxford as a Senior Town Planner, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a focus on professional development and clear progression opportunities, you will engage with diverse clients on exciting planning projects, all while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. This role not only allows you to manage significant projects but also empowers you to mentor junior colleagues, making it a truly rewarding career choice.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planner in Oxford)
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Penguin Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planner in Oxford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Penguin Recruitment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Penguin Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Penguin Recruitment.
