At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategies and manage diverse development projects from inception to consent.
- 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 development projects.
- Qualifications: RTPI-accredited degree and strong experience in residential or mixed-use planning.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € 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.
Senior Town Planner in Walton-on-Thames employer: Penguin Recruitment
Join a fast-growing property development and education business in Walton on Thames, where you will have the opportunity to lead diverse planning projects and shape the future of residential and mixed-use developments. With a strong focus on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and competitive salary packages including performance-related bonuses, this company is dedicated to nurturing talent and providing meaningful career progression in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Town Planner in Walton-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend local planning events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Town Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successful planning applications. This will not only demonstrate your skills but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Town Planner in Walton-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to 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 your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about town planning and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific projects or experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication skills are key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your language clear and concise, and don’t hesitate to simplify complex planning matters in your examples.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
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. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact the projects you’ve worked on, as this will show your expertise and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Experience
Prepare specific examples of complex planning applications you've managed. Highlight your role in site appraisals and feasibility studies, and be ready to explain how you navigated challenges to secure positive outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve liaised with local authorities and stakeholders in past roles. Be ready to share strategies you used to build relationships and communicate effectively, as this is crucial for the Senior Town Planner position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since mentoring junior team members is part of the role, prepare to discuss your experience in guiding others. Share examples of how you’ve supported colleagues in their development and contributed to a collaborative team environment.
