At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning consultancy services and drive growth in Northamptonshire.
- Company: Join a leading multidisciplinary land and property consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, 35 days holiday, and flexible working.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in urban development while mentoring junior team members.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with proven experience in planning consultancy and business development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Northampton
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. You will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary development team made up of planners, engineers, surveyors, archaeologists, and architects. The organisation offers the ideal balance between scale and agility - large enough to deliver diverse, high-quality projects, yet small enough to provide autonomy, visibility, and genuine cross‑disciplinary collaboration. Due to strategic growth within the Kettering office, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Planning Consultant to help establish and expand the planning and development presence across Northamptonshire.
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 both 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 & 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
If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Principal Town Planner. Job in Northampton LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
As a Principal Town Planner at our Northampton office, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that champions collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including private healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and professional development support, all while maintaining a flexible working culture that values your contributions. Join us to be part of a multidisciplinary team where your expertise will drive meaningful projects and enhance community development across Northamptonshire.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Town Planner. Job in Northampton LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning and development field. 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!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in planning consultancy. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or improved processes – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities at firms like Penguin Recruitment. Tailor your approach to show why you’re a perfect fit for their team and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Town Planner. Job in Northampton LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Town Planner role. Highlight your MRTPI qualification and any relevant planning consultancy experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for planning and how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team. Don’t forget to mention your business development successes!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior-level position, we want to see your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led project teams in your application to demonstrate your strategic thinking.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning consultancy knowledge, especially around the development process. Familiarise yourself with recent projects in Northamptonshire and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Town Planner, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to mentor junior staff and drive growth.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves strengthening client relationships, think about how you can convey your networking skills. Be ready to share specific instances where you've built successful partnerships with developers or landowners.
✨Be Strategic and Commercially Aware
The company is looking for someone who is commercially focused. Prepare to discuss your approach to business development and how you've identified opportunities for growth in previous roles. Show them you're not just a planner, but a strategic thinker.
