At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and provide strategic advice to clients.
- Company: Respected planning consultancy with a collaborative and forward-thinking culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and enhanced leave.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile developments while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualification and significant planning experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
An established and highly respected planning and property consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Town Planner to join its growing Cardiff team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded planning professional to take a leading role in delivering major projects across strategic land, residential, mixed-use and commercial developments. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and forward-thinking team with an excellent reputation across the UK market.
The Role
As a Principal Planner, you will take ownership of complex planning projects while supporting the ongoing growth of the team and wider business. You'll work closely with developers, landowners and public sector clients, providing strategic planning advice and managing projects through the full planning lifecycle. The position offers strong career progression potential alongside the opportunity to work on high-profile and challenging developments.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and managing a range of planning projects and client accounts
- Providing strategic planning and development advice
- Preparing and reviewing planning applications, appeals and site appraisals
- Managing project teams and coordinating external consultants
- Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
- Supporting business development activities and identifying new opportunities
- Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
- MRTPI qualification
- Significant planning experience within consultancy or the private sector
- Strong knowledge of the UK planning system
- Excellent commercial awareness and client management skills
- Proven experience leading projects and managing stakeholders
- Strong report writing and presentation abilities
- A proactive and ambitious approach with leadership potential
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Clear pathway for further progression
- Exposure to high-profile and varied projects
- Ongoing CPD and professional development support
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
- Pension scheme
- Collaborative and supportive working culture
This opportunity would suit an experienced Senior Planner ready to step up, or an established Principal Planner seeking a new challenge within a highly regarded consultancy environment.
Principal Planner in City employer: Penguin Recruitment
Join a highly respected planning and property consultancy in Cardiff, where you will thrive in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a clear pathway for career progression, this role offers the chance to work on high-profile projects while mentoring junior planners and developing strong client relationships. Experience a supportive culture that values professional development and flexible working arrangements, making it an ideal place for ambitious planning professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in City
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend planning events, join local meetups, or even hit up LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements. When you’re in interviews, don’t just talk about your experience—bring it to life with examples that demonstrate your skills and impact.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your leadership potential.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI qualification and any relevant project management experience to show us you’re the right fit!
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 background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your commercial awareness and client management skills!
Showcase Your Project Experience:We want to see your hands-on experience! Include specific examples of complex planning projects you've led, and how you’ve managed stakeholders. This will help us understand your approach and leadership potential.
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 keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK planning system. Be ready to discuss recent changes in legislation or notable projects that have made an impact in the field. This shows you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of complex planning projects you've led. Highlight your role in managing stakeholders and coordinating teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Building
Think of specific instances where you've developed strong client relationships. Discuss how you’ve provided strategic advice and managed expectations. This will illustrate your commercial awareness and ability to work collaboratively with clients.
✨Be Ready to Mentor
Since mentoring junior planners is part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience in guiding others. Share examples of how you've supported team members' growth and development, showcasing your leadership potential.
