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- Tasks: Deliver complex planning applications and advise clients on strategic planning matters.
- Company: Well-established planning consultancy with a supportive and growing team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days leave, and ongoing training support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic environment and make a real impact on major residential projects.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with 5+ years' experience in private sector planning.
- Other info: Genuine long-term career progression opportunities and quarterly social events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Sutton Coldfield (Hybrid Working)
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and highly respected planning consultancy in their search for a Senior or Principal Town Planner to join their Sutton Coldfield office. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced MRTPI-qualified planner to work on a diverse portfolio of major residential-led schemes for national and regional housebuilders, alongside a supportive and growing team.
The Role
- Preparing high-quality planning statements, Statements of Community Involvement and supporting documentation for a wide range of planning applications with minimal supervision.
- Assisting with major planning applications (outline, full and reserved matters) for residential and mixed-use developments.
- Attending planning committees to present and defend proposals and respond to committee questions.
- Organising and managing public consultation events (online and in person) and engaging with stakeholders and the wider public.
- Undertaking site appraisals and advising clients on development potential and planning strategy.
- Developing innovative and commercially focused planning strategies to challenge established planning positions and unlock site potential.
- Managing and supporting planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and Public Inquiries, with potential expert witness involvement.
- Preparing representations to emerging Local Plans and participating in the Examination in Public process.
- Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team.
Candidate Requirements
- MRTPI qualified with a minimum of 5 years' experience in the private sector, with some experience in a local authority setting.
- Strong knowledge of the development management process and plan-making system.
- Proven ability to manage complex planning projects and work with minimal supervision.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to think creatively to solve planning challenges.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a car (preferred).
What's on Offer
- Highly competitive salary (dependent on experience).
- Hybrid working (currently 3 days per week in the office).
- Dedicated car parking space.
- NEST pension scheme.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus a Christmas-New Year office shutdown.
- Ongoing CPD and training support.
- Quarterly staff social events.
- A developing benefits package, expected to include private healthcare, enhanced pension and salary sacrifice options.
- Genuine long-term career progression opportunities with support for additional training and professional development.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated planner looking to take the next step in their career within a dynamic and supportive consultancy environment.
Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner in Sutton Coldfield) 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 in Sutton Coldfield)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning industry! Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to their company.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land an interview, make sure to highlight your experience with complex planning applications and stakeholder engagement. Bring examples of your work, like planning statements or community involvement strategies, to showcase your expertise and creativity in solving planning challenges.
✨Prepare for the Unexpected
Interviews can throw curveballs, so be ready for questions about how you’d handle specific planning scenarios or manage public consultations. Practise your responses and think about real-life examples where you’ve successfully navigated tricky situations in your previous roles.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior/Principal Town Planner role! We’re all about making the application process smooth and straightforward, so take advantage of it and get your application in today!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner in Sutton Coldfield)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior/Principal Town Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI qualifications and relevant experience in managing complex planning projects, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are key for this role, don’t shy away from demonstrating these in your application. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any errors before hitting send!
Highlight Your Experience with Stakeholders: We want to see how you’ve engaged with stakeholders and the public in past roles. Share specific examples of public consultation events you’ve organised or attended, as this will give us insight into your ability to manage community involvement.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the development management process and plan-making system. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving complex planning applications. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also experienced in handling real-world challenges.
✨Prepare for Committee Questions
Since you'll be attending planning committees, it’s crucial to anticipate the types of questions you might face. Think about potential concerns stakeholders may have regarding your proposals and prepare clear, concise responses. Practising with a friend or colleague can help you feel more confident.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Senior or Principal Town Planner, excellent written and verbal communication is key. Bring examples of high-quality planning statements or community involvement documents you've prepared. During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and engage with the interviewers to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Highlight Your Mentoring Experience
If you’ve had experience mentoring junior planners, make sure to mention it! Discuss how you’ve supported their development and contributed to team success. This shows that you’re not only a strong planner but also a team player who values collaboration and growth within the consultancy.
