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- Tasks: Lead planning projects and manage multi-disciplinary teams on major applications.
- Company: Join a top UK consultancy focused on sustainable development and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Contribute to impactful projects while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; experience with planning policies and project delivery required.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor juniors and engage with high-profile clients.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting one of the UK's most respected multi-disciplinary consultancies in their search for experienced Senior or Principal Town Planners to join their growing Planning & Environmental team in the North of England.
This market-leading consultancy works at the cutting edge of sustainable development, infrastructure delivery, and national planning policy, partnering with major public and private sector clients across the UK and internationally. From Net Zero to Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation, this is an opportunity to work with one of the UK's most forward-thinking planning teams.
The Opportunity:
You’ll be joining a dynamic and high-performing planning team that supports clients across key markets including Energy, Water, Transport, Defence, and Housing. Key clients include the Environment Agency, National Highways, Homes England, Network Rail, Transport for the North, High Speed 2, the GLA, the Ministry of Defence, and many others. You’ll also be working on strategic planning, policy, and infrastructure delivery across local authorities, LEPs, and private developers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on a range of planning projects, including major applications and strategic planning
- Act as project lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams across complex schemes
- Oversee project delivery, including programme and budget management
- Support bid writing and framework submissions
- Mentor junior team members and help shape the future of the planning team
- Engage with clients and market leads to drive business growth and enhance market presence
What We’re Looking For:
- A degree in Town Planning or a related subject (RTPI membership desirable)
- Experience delivering projects under TCPA, DCO, TWAO, or equivalent consenting regimes
- Strong understanding of EIA, planning policy, and infrastructure planning
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
- Experience developing client relationships and contributing to work winning
- A collaborative mindset with the confidence to lead or work within multi-disciplinary teams
Why Join?
- Work on nation-shaping infrastructure projects with a leading consultancy
- Hybrid and flexible working to support your work-life balance
- Supportive and inclusive team environment focused on career growth
- Competitive salary, annual bonus, and an excellent benefits package
- Genuine commitment to sustainability, equality, and social value initiatives
This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and experienced Planner to contribute to some of the UK's most impactful and strategic projects.
For more information or a confidential chat, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment.
Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with major infrastructure projects. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable development and national planning policy. Being knowledgeable about current issues like Net Zero and Biodiversity Net Gain will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current employees at the consultancy for informational interviews. This can provide you with insights into the company culture and expectations, and it shows your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that align with the responsibilities of the role. Highlight your experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering complex planning projects to showcase your leadership skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in town planning, especially in infrastructure and development projects. Emphasise your project management skills and any experience with TCPA, DCO, or TWAO consenting regimes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable development and your understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention specific projects you've worked on that align with the consultancy's focus areas.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, provide examples of reports you've written or presentations you've delivered. This will demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly.
Showcase Leadership Experience: If you have experience mentoring junior team members or leading multi-disciplinary teams, make sure to include this in your application. Highlight how you've contributed to team success and client relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led or contributed to, especially those involving major applications and strategic planning. Highlight your role in managing multi-disciplinary teams and how you ensured successful project delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Planning Policies
Familiarise yourself with relevant planning policies and legislation, such as TCPA, DCO, and EIA. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks influence your work and how you've navigated them in past projects.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since excellent written and verbal communication is crucial for this role, prepare examples of reports you've written or presentations you've delivered. Show how you effectively engage with clients and stakeholders to drive business growth.
✨Exhibit a Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your ability to work within multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior members. Share experiences where collaboration led to successful outcomes, demonstrating your leadership potential and team spirit.
