At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategies and manage diverse development projects from inception to consent.
- Company: Fast-growing property development and education business in Walton-on-Thames.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior team members.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of property development across the UK.
- Qualifications: RTPI-accredited degree and strong experience in residential or mixed-use planning.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Walton on Thames
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a fast‑growing property development and education business in the search for a Senior Town Planner to join their expanding team. This developer‑led organisation works closely with aspiring and active developers across the UK, supporting the delivery of real‑world residential and mixed‑use schemes. Alongside a successful education platform, the business operates a growing in‑house development and joint venture division, delivering projects ranging from single‑unit developments to large‑scale 100+ unit schemes, including specialist sectors such as student accommodation and supported living.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planner to take ownership of a varied pipeline of projects and play a key role in securing successful planning outcomes across both joint venture and in‑house development sites.
The Role
Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will lead planning strategies, coordinate planning applications, and engage with local authorities and stakeholders across a broad range of development projects. This is a hands‑on role offering exposure to the full development lifecycle, where you will assess site feasibility, shape planning strategies, and guide projects through the planning process from inception to consent.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning strategy and submissions across a diverse portfolio of development sites.
- Carry out site appraisals, feasibility studies, and planning risk assessments.
- Provide clear, practical planning advice to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Prepare and manage planning applications, planning statements, and appeal strategies where required.
- Liaise with local authorities, statutory consultees, and key stakeholders to secure positive planning outcomes.
- Support and mentor junior team members involved in sourcing and assessing development opportunities.
- Assist with the progression of in‑house development schemes through the planning process.
- Keep clients and internal teams informed on planning progress, risks, and opportunities.
- Maintain strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and local plan frameworks.
- Contribute to internal planning systems, processes, and best practice guidance.
Requirements
- RTPI‑accredited degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Strong consultancy or client‑side planning experience, ideally within residential or mixed‑use development.
- Proven experience managing planning applications on complex or constrained sites.
- Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex planning matters.
- Proactive, commercially aware, and highly organised approach.
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members.
- Knowledge of planning software, GIS, mapping tools, or Adobe InDesign would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic, developer‑led business that is actively shaping the next generation of property professionals across the UK. You’ll work on a wide variety of live development projects, benefit from strong career progression opportunities, and be part of a collaborative and ambitious team environment. The role also offers a competitive salary and a performance‑related bonus structure linked to successful planning approvals.
Senior Town Planner in Walton-on-Thames) in Surrey employer: Penguin Recruitment
Join a dynamic and fast-growing property development business in Walton-on-Thames, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of residential and mixed-use schemes. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from mentoring opportunities, a collaborative work culture, and a competitive salary complemented by performance-related bonuses. This is an exciting chance to engage with a diverse range of projects while contributing to a company that values innovation and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Town Planner in Walton-on-Thames) in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend local planning events or workshops in Walton-on-Thames to meet industry professionals. Building connections can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects and planning strategies. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply, engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager directly. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can make a lasting impression and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it local! Use our website to find job openings in your area. We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you, so don’t miss out on applying through us!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Town Planner in Walton-on-Thames) in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Town Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing planning applications and your understanding of UK planning legislation. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've worked on. Whether it’s a complex site you managed or a planning strategy you developed, we love to see tangible results that demonstrate your expertise.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of UK planning legislation and local plan frameworks. Being able to discuss recent changes or relevant policies during the interview will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of past projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex planning applications. Highlight your role in these projects and how you navigated challenges to secure positive outcomes. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience liaising with local authorities and stakeholders. Share examples of how you’ve successfully communicated planning strategies and built relationships, as this is crucial for the role and shows your ability to work collaboratively.
✨Mentorship Matters
If you have experience mentoring junior team members, make sure to mention it. Discuss how you’ve supported their development and contributed to a positive team environment. This will highlight your leadership skills and commitment to fostering growth within the team.
