364 Principal Planner jobs in the United Kingdom

Job Title: Principal Planner

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

About the opportunity:
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Planner to join their growing team in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The planning team focuses on strategic planning projects, primarily planning applications and land promotions for residential development. You'll work closely with colleagues across development economics, design, and heritage disciplines.

What's on offer:

• Competitive salary with excellent benefits, including private medical and payment of relevant professional subscriptions.
• A culture built on trust, empowerment, and autonomy over your work.
• Exposure to a variety of projects, including planning applications and land promotions across multiple sites and clients.
• Opportunities to join a growing team within an established, top-20 UK planning consultancy.
• Hybrid working with flexibility to define your working patterns in and out of the office.

About the company:
The consultancy has expanded rapidly over the past five years and now boasts a team of 50+ town planners across regional hubs. They also provide complementary socio-economic, heritage, master planning, and architectural services.

The role:
As a Principal Planner , you will:

• Lead projects and contribute to the growth of client relationships.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Manage schemes from initial advice and early design stages through to achieving consent and discharging planning conditions.
• Support Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations.

Key duties include:

• Advising on the development potential of land and buildings.
• Preparing planning applications and appeals.
• Providing policy advice and conducting research.
• Drafting representations for plan consultations and examinations.
• Identifying land opportunities.
• Working with clients and other consultants to deliver development.
• Supporting business development activities.

Person specification:

• Relevant planning qualification.
• RTPI membership or working towards membership.
• Understanding of the planning process and systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail.
• Friendly, approachable, and collaborative manner.
• Drive, commitment, enthusiasm, and a team-player attitude.

Whether you are an experienced Senior Planner ready to step up and lead major projects or a Principal Planner looking to broaden your expertise, this role offers an excellent opportunity for career progression.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)

Job Title: Principal Planner

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon

About the opportunity:
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Planner to join their growing team in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The planning team focuses on strategic planning projects, primarily planning applications and land promotions for residential development. You'll work closely with colleagues across development economics, design, and heritage disciplines.

What's on offer:

• Competitive salary with excellent benefits, including private medical and payment of relevant professional subscriptions.
• A culture built on trust, empowerment, and autonomy over your work.
• Exposure to a variety of projects, including planning applications and land promotions across multiple sites and clients.
• Opportunities to join a growing team within an established, top-20 UK planning consultancy.
• Hybrid working with flexibility to define your working patterns in and out of the office.

About the company:
The consultancy has expanded rapidly over the past five years and now boasts a team of 50+ town planners across regional hubs. They also provide complementary socio-economic, heritage, master planning, and architectural services.

The role:
As a Principal Planner , you will:

• Lead projects and contribute to the growth of client relationships.
• Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Manage schemes from initial advice and early design stages through to achieving consent and discharging planning conditions.
• Support Planning Appeals and Local Plan Examinations.

Key duties include:

• Advising on the development potential of land and buildings.
• Preparing planning applications and appeals.
• Providing policy advice and conducting research.
• Drafting representations for plan consultations and examinations.
• Identifying land opportunities.
• Working with clients and other consultants to deliver development.
• Supporting business development activities.

Person specification:

• Relevant planning qualification.
• RTPI membership or working towards membership.
• Understanding of the planning process and systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail.
• Friendly, approachable, and collaborative manner.
• Drive, commitment, enthusiasm, and a team-player attitude.

Whether you are an experienced Senior Planner ready to step up and lead major projects or a Principal Planner looking to broaden your expertise, this role offers an excellent opportunity for career progression.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)

Are you a Principal Planner with experience working on major infrastructure project in the UK?
 
Are you looking for a long-term contract opportunity in the North West of the UK?
 
Rate: £500 - £530 per day (Inside IR35)
Contract length: 12 months
Location: Manchester/York - 2 days WFH
 
My client are looking for a Principal Project Planner to join their team on a major infrastructure project in the north, project includes stations, bridges and viaducts.
 
You will be responsible for leading planning teams, simplifying complex schedules for reporting purposes, and ensuring the effective management of resources and access planning.
 
This is a high-profile role that requires strong communication and stakeholder management skills, alongside deep knowledge of planning within the rail or major infrastructure sectors.
 
What you will need:
·Membership of a relevant professional body and/or commitment to CPD.
·Proven experience in the management, planning, and delivery of major construction or engineering projects.
·Strong proficiency with planning and scheduling software.
·Expertise and previous experience within the field of project resource management.
·Understanding of railway design and delivery principles
·Experience managing stakeholders
· Understanding of railway access principles, experience in reading Railway Access box plans alongside schedules
· 
Desirable experience will also include:
·Previous experience on and knowledge of the UK rail industry
·A level or equivalent in maths or information technology.
 
If you are interested in this role please email CV and enquiries to (url removed) or call me on (phone number removed)
 

Planner
Location: Hitchin

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be working with a well respected planning consultancy, with a strong client base across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors. The team is now looking to recruit a Planner to join their expanding Hitchin office.

The Role
As a Planner, you will:

• Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications, appeals, and supporting documents.

• Undertake site appraisals, planning research, and policy reviews.

• Provide professional advice to clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.

• Engage with local planning authorities and third-party consultants.

• Support senior staff on larger projects while taking responsibility for your own casework.

About You

• RTPI-accredited degree or relevant planning qualification.

• Around 1-3 years' post-graduate experience in planning (consultancy or local authority).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organisation and time management abilities.

• Ambition to continue progressing your planning career, working towards or holding MRTPI status.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• A collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Excellent career progression opportunities with RTPI support if required.

• Exposure to a diverse range of projects across multiple sectors.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Planner in the early stages of their career to join a successful and growing consultancy where you'll be supported to reach your full potential.

For more information or to apply, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment .

Planner
Location: Hitchin

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be working with a well respected planning consultancy, with a strong client base across residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors. The team is now looking to recruit a Planner to join their expanding Hitchin office.

The Role
As a Planner, you will:

• Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications, appeals, and supporting documents.

• Undertake site appraisals, planning research, and policy reviews.

• Provide professional advice to clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.

• Engage with local planning authorities and third-party consultants.

• Support senior staff on larger projects while taking responsibility for your own casework.

About You

• RTPI-accredited degree or relevant planning qualification.

• Around 1-3 years' post-graduate experience in planning (consultancy or local authority).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent organisation and time management abilities.

• Ambition to continue progressing your planning career, working towards or holding MRTPI status.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• A collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Excellent career progression opportunities with RTPI support if required.

• Exposure to a diverse range of projects across multiple sectors.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Planner in the early stages of their career to join a successful and growing consultancy where you'll be supported to reach your full potential.

For more information or to apply, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment .

Job Title: Principal Town Planner / Associate director
Location: London or Nottingham
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner to join a well-regarded national Law Firm based in either their London or Nottingham offices. This is a rare chance to work within a truly multidisciplinary environment that brings together legal expertise and planning consultancy under one roof.

This role offers high-level exposure to complex and high-profile projects across the UK, with a strong pipeline of work covering infrastructure, energy, residential, commercial, and mixed-use development.

Key Responsibilities:
·Provide high-quality, commercially focused planning advice to a broad client base including developers, landowners, and public sector bodies
·Lead on major projects and manage a varied portfolio of planning work
·Draft and submit planning applications, appeals, and development plan representations
·Prepare planning appraisals and due diligence reports
·Contribute to business development and client relationship management
·Support and mentor junior team members

About You:
·MRTPI chartered with significant post-qualification experience (ideally 7+ years)
·Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedure
·A background in either consultancy, local government, or a legal/planning interface environment
·Experience managing complex planning applications, appeals, and negotiations
·Confident communicator with strong client-facing skills
·Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines

What's on Offer:
·Competitive salary and benefits package
·Hybrid working model (3 days a week in-office)
·A collaborative, professional environment with access to legal and planning expertise
·The opportunity to work on nationally significant developments and policy matters
·Clear pathways for career development and progression

Looking to elevate your planning career within a unique, cross-disciplinary environment?

If you are a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner looking to join a team that will really value and help you progress, please do pop your CV across to (url removed) or call (phone number removed)
 
Reference - 61750

Job Title: Principal Town Planner / Associate director
Location: London or Nottingham
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days per week in the office)

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner to join a well-regarded national Law Firm based in either their London or Nottingham offices. This is a rare chance to work within a truly multidisciplinary environment that brings together legal expertise and planning consultancy under one roof.
This role offers high-level exposure to complex and high-profile projects across the UK, with a strong pipeline of work covering infrastructure, energy, residential, commercial, and mixed-use development.

Key Responsibilities:
·Provide high-quality, commercially focused planning advice to a broad client base including developers, landowners, and public sector bodies
·Lead on major projects and manage a varied portfolio of planning work
·Draft and submit planning applications, appeals, and development plan representations
·Prepare planning appraisals and due diligence reports
·Contribute to business development and client relationship management
·Support and mentor junior team members

About You:
·MRTPI chartered with significant post-qualification experience (ideally 7+ years)
·Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedure
·A background in either consultancy, local government, or a legal/planning interface environment
·Experience managing complex planning applications, appeals, and negotiations
·Confident communicator with strong client-facing skills
·Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and disciplines

What's on Offer:
·Competitive salary and benefits package
·Hybrid working model (3 days a week in-office)
·A collaborative, professional environment with access to legal and planning expertise
·The opportunity to work on nationally significant developments and policy matters
·Clear pathways for career development and progression

Looking to elevate your planning career within a unique, cross-disciplinary environment?

If you are a Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner looking to join a team that will really value and help you progress, please do pop your CV across to (url removed) or call (phone number removed)
 
Reference - 61752

Principal Town Planner

Manchester - hybrid 

Are you an experienced planner looking to take the next step in your career? We are working with an established client in Manchester who have an exciting opportunity for a Senior or Principal Town Planner to join their dynamic team. As a leading planning consultancy, they are known for delivering innovative and effective planning solutions across a broad spectrum of projects, including residential, commercial, retail, and more.

The Role
As a Senior/Principal/Associate Town Planner, you will play a pivotal role in working on a range of high-profile projects. You will be responsible for:
·Project Management: Leading the planning process for a variety of projects from inception through to completion, ensuring timely and successful outcomes.
·Client Engagement: Confidently meeting with clients to understand their needs, provide expert advice, and develop strong, long-lasting relationships.
·Business Development: Actively seeking out and pursuing new business opportunities to grow our client base.
·Leadership: Mentoring and guiding junior staff, sharing your expertise, and contributing to their professional development.

Requirements
·Experience: Significant experience in planning, either consultancy or local authority, with a proven track record of managing a variety of projects. Experience in the residential, commercial, and retail sectors is highly desirable.
·Qualifications: RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) membership or eligibility for membership.
·Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Strong project management and organisational abilities.
·Attributes: A proactive, solution-focused approach with a keen eye for detail. A team player who can also work independently and take initiative.

What We Offer
·Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work from home and the office, with 3 days a week based in our central Manchester office.
·Career Progression: A clear path for career development with opportunities to grow within the company.
·Supportive Environment: A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
·Competitive Salary: A salary package that reflects your skills and experience, with additional benefits.

How to Apply
If you are ready to take on a new challenge and make a significant impact within a forward-thinking consultancy, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role to (url removed) or pop me a call on (phone number removed)
 
Job reference - 61748

Senior Town Planner / Principal Town Planner
Cambridge
Full-time | Permanent

A highly regarded Planning consultancy and estate agency with a strong regional presence is looking to appoint a Senior Town planner or Principal Town Planner or Associate Town Planner to join their growing Planning & Development team in Cambridge.

This is a key role for an experienced planner who can take ownership of projects, contribute to business development, and provide expert advice to a diverse client base spanning residential, commercial, and rural sectors.

Key Responsibilities:
·Lead and manage a varied portfolio of planning projects across East Anglia
·Prepare and submit complex planning applications and appeals
·Undertake site appraisals and provide strategic planning advice
·Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, and stakeholders
·Support and mentor junior team members
·Contribute to business development and identify new opportunities
·Represent the company at planning committees, public consultations, and stakeholder meetings

Requirements:
·MRTPI qualified with significant post-qualification experience
·Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy
·Proven experience delivering successful outcomes across a range of project types
·Commercially aware with excellent client-facing and communication skills
·Proactive, organised, and confident managing projects and deadlines
·Full UK driving licence (site travel required)

Benefits:
·Competitive salary with performance-related bonus
·Pension scheme and private healthcare options
·Hybrid/flexible working
·Excellent career progression prospects within a supportive, professional team
·Opportunity to work on high-profile and regionally significant projects

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and commercially astute planner to join a respected, multi-disciplinary team and play a pivotal role in shaping the region's development landscape. If you are interested, please call (phone number removed) or email (url removed)
 
Reference - 61738