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- Tasks: Lead complex planning projects and mentor junior staff while providing expert advice.
- Company: Join a respected Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy with a strong track record.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, bonus scheme, and private health insurance.
- Why this job: Make an impact on diverse projects and grow in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered RTPI member with 5+ years in planning consultancy and strong UK legislation knowledge.
- Other info: Permanent role with opportunities for networking and business development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Bourne End, Buckinghamshire
Salary: Competitive, plus benefits including bonus scheme, car allowance, increased annual leave for long service, and private health insurance
Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Flexible Working: 3 days office-based, 2 days remote. Flexible start/finish hours.
About the Company: A well-established and highly regarded Town Planning and Heritage Consultancy is seeking a skilled and experienced Principal Town Planner to join their team. With a strong track record in securing planning permissions, they work across a range of sectors including commercial and residential development.
Role Overview: This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced town planning professional to take on a leadership role within a dynamic consultancy. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing complex planning projects, providing expert advice, and mentoring junior staff while actively contributing to business development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert planning advice to clients and colleagues, ensuring compliance with planning policies and legislation.
- Oversee and manage complex planning applications, appeals, and development proposals.
- Prepare detailed planning appraisals, statements, and appeal documents.
- Lead client meetings, planning committees, and public consultation events.
- Liaise with local authorities, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to navigate planning processes effectively.
- Support and mentor junior staff, delegating tasks to promote team development.
- Take an active role in business development by identifying new opportunities and securing new instructions.
- Attend networking events and contribute to marketing and promotional initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records, forecasts, and reports on project progress.
Key Skills & Experience:
- Chartered Member of the RTPI.
- Degree in Planning or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in a planning consultancy or similar role (typically 5+ years).
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, NPPF, and Planning Practice Guidance.
- Proven track record of successfully managing planning applications and appeals.
- Ability to provide strategic advice on planning matters and manage stakeholder relationships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong negotiation abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects effectively and work collaboratively within a team.
Why Apply?
- Lead and influence planning strategies within a respected consultancy.
- Work on diverse and high-profile projects across multiple sectors.
- Join a supportive and sociable team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position.
Principal Planner in Bourne End) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Bourne End)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the town planning sector. Attend local planning events or seminars to meet potential colleagues and clients, which can help you gain insights into the company culture and current projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning policies and legislation relevant to Bourne End and Buckinghamshire. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the local context.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience mentoring junior staff or leading projects. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage complex planning applications and stakeholder relationships effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the consultancy's recent projects and achievements. Being able to reference specific work they’ve done will show your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Bourne End)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in town planning, particularly any leadership roles or complex projects you've managed. Emphasise your chartered status with the RTPI and your knowledge of UK planning legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for town planning and your ability to provide expert advice. Mention specific examples of successful projects you've worked on and how you can contribute to the consultancy's goals.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in managing planning applications, stakeholder relationships, and mentoring junior staff. Use bullet points for clarity and to make it easy for the hiring team to see your qualifications.
Showcase Business Development Experience: If you have experience in business development, be sure to include this in your application. Discuss any successful initiatives you've led or contributed to that resulted in securing new clients or projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning legislation, including the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planner, you'll be expected to lead projects and mentor junior staff. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed teams or complex projects, highlighting your leadership style and how you foster collaboration.
✨Prepare for Client Interactions
Since the role involves leading client meetings and public consultations, think about how you would handle different types of stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your approach to managing relationships and providing strategic advice to clients.
✨Showcase Your Business Development Acumen
The company is looking for someone who can contribute to business development. Come prepared with ideas on how you could identify new opportunities and secure instructions, as well as any relevant experiences you've had in this area.
