At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning consultancy, manage projects, and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Join a leading multidisciplinary land and property consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, 35 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in urban development while driving growth and innovation.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with proven experience in planning consultancy and business development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
About The Company
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary land and property consultancy with offices across the Midlands. The business delivers a wide range of services including planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation, and business consultancy, helping clients maximise the value and potential of their assets.
Location: Northampton
The Role
This is a senior‑level position combining strategic leadership, business development, and hands‑on planning consultancy delivery. You will act as a key figure within the Kettering office, driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing market presence.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the lead planning expert within the Kettering office
- Deliver planning consultancy services across a variety of sectors
- Provide general and strategic planning advice to clients
- Coordinate and prepare planning applications with internal teams
- Manage post‑planning negotiations, appeals, and related processes
- Oversee development lifecycle stages including technical design, procurement, and construction phase input
- Lead multidisciplinary project teams, managing delivery, risk, and programme performance
- Support and mentor junior team members to develop technical capability
Strategic and Business Development
- Drive growth of the planning and development offer across Northamptonshire
- Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, landowners, promoters, and agents
- Cross‑sell complementary services including land promotion, valuation, and agency work
- Increase brand awareness and generate new instructions
- Identify opportunities to diversify services and expand into new markets
- Improve operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability
- Strengthen integration across the wider service offering
About You
We are seeking an experienced planning professional with strong leadership and commercial capability.
Essential Requirements
- MRTPI qualified (or equivalent)
- Proven experience in planning consultancy and development‑led work
- Track record of business development, networking, or team growth
- Strong understanding of the full development process
- Experience in post‑planning, technical design, and project delivery
- Excellent project management and coordination skills
- Full UK driving licence
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail
- Confident decision‑maker and problem solver
- Strong communicator and relationship builder
- Commercially aware and growth‑focused
- Resilient, adaptable, and proactive
- Passion for innovation and continuous improvement
Benefits
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Private healthcare (BUPA)
- 35 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Additional birthday day off
- Extra holiday for long service
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension scheme (NEST)
- Professional membership fees paid + CPD support
- Employee Assistance Programme + health plan + flu jab
- Agile and flexible working culture
- EV and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes
Principal Town Planner in Northampton employer: TipTopJob
At Penguin Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Northampton. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and professional development support, all while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the planning consultancy sector, where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner in Northampton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in planning consultancy. Share specific examples of projects you've led or challenges you've overcome to demonstrate your value.
✨Follow Up After Interviews
After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also keeps you fresh in their minds. A little gratitude goes a long way!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can sometimes give you an edge, as we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Town Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI qualification and any relevant planning consultancy experience to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your leadership skills and business development experience. Tell us why you're passionate about planning and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it’s a project you led or a client relationship you built, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially around the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with planning applications, post-planning negotiations, and how you've led multidisciplinary teams in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Town Planner, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior team members or driven growth in previous roles. Highlight your strategic thinking and decision-making skills during the interview.
✨Build Rapport
This role involves building relationships with clients and stakeholders. Practice your communication skills and think about how you can connect with the interviewers. Show them you're not just a planner but also a relationship builder who can enhance their market presence.
✨Be Business Savvy
Since business development is a key part of this role, come prepared with ideas on how to drive growth for the consultancy. Think about potential markets to explore or services to diversify into, and be ready to discuss these during your interview.
