At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategies and manage applications for diverse development projects.
- Company: Fast-growing property development and education business shaping the future of planning.
- 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 and make a real impact on exciting residential and mixed-use developments.
- Qualifications: RTPI-accredited degree and strong experience in residential or mixed-use planning.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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.
Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP, so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Lead Town Planner (Residential & Mixed-Use) in Walton-on-Thames employer: Penguin Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking property development and education business in Walton on Thames, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of residential and mixed-use projects. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, this dynamic company offers a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and performance-related bonuses, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and rewarded. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead diverse planning strategies while mentoring junior team members in a supportive environment that values innovation and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Town Planner (Residential & Mixed-Use) in Walton-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so come armed with questions and insights about their work in residential and mixed-use developments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous planning strategies and successful applications. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex sites and achieved positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate planners ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Town Planner (Residential & Mixed-Use) in Walton-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Lead Town Planner role. Highlight your experience in residential and mixed-use developments, and show how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Planning Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of UK planning legislation and policy frameworks in your application. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate how you've successfully navigated complex planning applications.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and achievements, making it easy for the hiring manager to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows your enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK planning legislation and local plan frameworks before the interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or relevant policies will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of past projects you've worked on, especially those involving residential or mixed-use developments. Highlight your role in managing planning applications and any challenges you overcame, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about how you've successfully liaised with local authorities and stakeholders in previous roles. Discussing your approach to building relationships and securing positive outcomes will illustrate your communication skills and proactive nature.
✨Mentorship Matters
If you've had experience mentoring junior team members, be sure to mention it. This shows that you’re not only a capable planner but also someone who values teamwork and is willing to invest in the development of others, which is crucial for a leadership role.
