258 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

Principal Planning Officer
Rutland County council - Local Authority
£50+ ph
 
Initial 3 months
 
Job Ref - 60515
 
The right person will need to be highly experienced and able to hit the ground running, with a solid track record of handling major planning applications including major industrial developments and residential schemes of up to 200 homes. We're after someone who's self-sufficient, well-organised, and comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
 
As most of our team work remotely, the postholder will need to be confident using IT systems and managing their workload from home. Experience with Idox Uniform would be a bonus. The role will also involve site visits, so access to transport and flexibility to travel within the area is essential.
 
Office presence - Hybrid
 
Carrington West Pay Rate - up to £50+ ph
 
Please call Lauren Buchanan on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion on this role, or email me or our planning team if you are short of time to chat:
(url removed)
(url removed) 
 
Carrington West's dedicated Town Planning Recruitment Team supply clients UK wide on both a permanent and contract basis and all levels of seniority. If this role is too senior, too junior or in a location that is unsuitable, but you are keen on options, please still feel free to apply and we can discuss other, often unadvertised roles with you.
 
 

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

Principal Planner | Planning, Consenting & DCO Submission - Infrastructure Projects

UK (remote or hybrid working)

Competitive salary + benefit package

Our client is a leading consultancy who provide professional planning and engineering services to the power sector. They are instrumental in helping support the UK with its transition to net zero. They plan, design, and deliver major power projects that link the UK’s renewable power to its major towns and cities.

They specialise in the planning, design and survey of Overhead Lines, Underground Cables, and Substation Systems from LV to EHV in the UK and internationally playing a critical role in major power infrastructure projects, along with planning for a range of large scale renewable developments.

The role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Planner to take a lead role in managing the planning and consenting processes for major projects, including large-scale green energy infrastructure.

This role would be ideal for a proactive individual with a background in planning and delivering Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), particularly those requiring Development Consent Orders (DCOs) or equivalent approvals. While experience with linear infrastructure projects is preferred, we are also open to candidates with expertise in localised planning applications and Section 37 (S.37) consent processes.

• Oversee and drive the successful delivery of planning and consenting strategies for major renewable energy projects, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks
• Work closely with the Project Manager to shape and execute the commercial aspects of planning activities, contributing to project viability and success
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior planners and other team members, fostering a high-performing and knowledgeable planning team
• Planning in implementing key initiatives from the Operating Board, helping to enhance planning processes and business operations

This role offers the opportunity to work on high-profile energy projects that contribute to the UK's Net Zero ambitions, with significant scope for career progression and professional development.

The candidate

We are looking for an ambitious and dynamic individual with a passion for green energy.

• Educated to Masters level (desired) or Bachelors level (essential) in relevant subject such as Geography, Planning or Environmental Sciences (or similar)
• Member of, or working towards membership, in a relevant Professional Institution, desirable but not essential
• Ideally hold a UK driving licence (or one acceptable to their insurers) as role requires attendance at client meetings
• Minimum 7 years’ postgraduate experience in the infrastructure/development sector working on relevant transmission, distribution or other planning schemes
• Experience in the submission of Development Consent Orders (DCO)

Why join our client?

This is a great opportunity to join a well-established high performing team who can offer a good work life balance. This is backed up by the fact that senior members of the planning team have been in the team over 10 years on average. Over the past two years the team has invested in itself, doubling in size with the aim of continuing to grow as the work from their key clients ramps up.

They can offer the successful individual a unique opportunity to work at the UK’s leading multi-disciplinary survey, design and engineering consultancy in the utilities sector, whose company culture gives a lot of autonomy, respect and flexibility for those who join them, and as it's not a large organisation you can benefit from being recognised and valued as an individual rather than just being another number.

If you are interested to learn more, apply now by submitting your CV or contact David McGovern at Tempest Jones on .

Exciting Principal level opportunity for a Project Controls consultancy working on a Nuclear Defence programme.

The role requires 1-2 days on client site in Warrington.

Must have security clearance, or have held previously.

Responsibility

• Drive innovation by introducing new ways of working for our clients.
• Perform float path analysis to identify critical paths and potential delays.
• Conduct impact assessments for change control and maintain the baseline in accordance with approved changes.

Requirements

• Proficiency with Primavera P6 for scheduling and project management.
• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) and how it integrates with project scheduling and reporting.
• Familiarity with NEC contract requirements and their impact on project planning.
• Strong customer focus and ability to manage relationships effectively.
• in a related discipline (eg Engineering or Manufacturing)

Senior/Principal Town Planner - Infrastructure & Development Projects
Location: North of England - Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting one of the UK's most respected multi-disciplinary consultancies in their search for experienced Senior or Principal Town Planners to join their growing Planning & Environmental team in the North of England.

This market-leading consultancy works at the cutting edge of sustainable development, infrastructure delivery, and national planning policy, partnering with major public and private sector clients across the UK and internationally. From Net Zero to Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation, this is an opportunity to work with one of the UK's most forward-thinking planning teams.

The Opportunity:

You'll be joining a dynamic and high-performing planning team that supports clients across key markets including Energy, Water, Transport, Defence, and Housing. Key clients include the Environment Agency, National Highways, Homes England, Network Rail, Transport for the North, High Speed 2, the GLA, the Ministry of Defence, and many others. You'll also be working on strategic planning, policy, and infrastructure delivery across local authorities, LEPs, and private developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on a range of planning projects, including major applications and strategic planning
• Act as project lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams across complex schemes
• Oversee project delivery, including programme and budget management
• Support bid writing and framework submissions
• Mentor junior team members and help shape the future of the planning team
• Engage with clients and market leads to drive business growth and enhance market presence

What We're Looking For:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related subject (RTPI membership desirable)
• Experience delivering projects under TCPA, DCO, TWAO, or equivalent consenting regimes
• Strong understanding of EIA, planning policy, and infrastructure planning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to work winning
• A collaborative mindset with the confidence to lead or work within multi-disciplinary teams

Why Join?

• Work on nation-shaping infrastructure projects with a leading consultancy
• Hybrid and flexible working to support your work-life balance
• Supportive and inclusive team environment focused on career growth
• Competitive salary, annual bonus, and an excellent benefits package
• Genuine commitment to sustainability, equality, and social value initiatives

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and experienced Planner to contribute to some of the UK's most impactful and strategic projects.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) .

Senior/Principal Town Planner - Infrastructure & Development Projects
Location: North of England - Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting one of the UK's most respected multi-disciplinary consultancies in their search for experienced Senior or Principal Town Planners to join their growing Planning & Environmental team in the North of England.

This market-leading consultancy works at the cutting edge of sustainable development, infrastructure delivery, and national planning policy, partnering with major public and private sector clients across the UK and internationally. From Net Zero to Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation, this is an opportunity to work with one of the UK's most forward-thinking planning teams.

The Opportunity:

You'll be joining a dynamic and high-performing planning team that supports clients across key markets including Energy, Water, Transport, Defence, and Housing. Key clients include the Environment Agency, National Highways, Homes England, Network Rail, Transport for the North, High Speed 2, the GLA, the Ministry of Defence, and many others. You'll also be working on strategic planning, policy, and infrastructure delivery across local authorities, LEPs, and private developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on a range of planning projects, including major applications and strategic planning
• Act as project lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams across complex schemes
• Oversee project delivery, including programme and budget management
• Support bid writing and framework submissions
• Mentor junior team members and help shape the future of the planning team
• Engage with clients and market leads to drive business growth and enhance market presence

What We're Looking For:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related subject (RTPI membership desirable)
• Experience delivering projects under TCPA, DCO, TWAO, or equivalent consenting regimes
• Strong understanding of EIA, planning policy, and infrastructure planning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to work winning
• A collaborative mindset with the confidence to lead or work within multi-disciplinary teams

Why Join?

• Work on nation-shaping infrastructure projects with a leading consultancy
• Hybrid and flexible working to support your work-life balance
• Supportive and inclusive team environment focused on career growth
• Competitive salary, annual bonus, and an excellent benefits package
• Genuine commitment to sustainability, equality, and social value initiatives

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and experienced Planner to contribute to some of the UK's most impactful and strategic projects.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) .

Senior / Principal Town Planner

Location: North of England (flexible)

A leading multi-disciplinary consultancy is seeking a Senior or Principal Town Planner to join its expanding team in the North of England. With a strong track record in delivering major infrastructure and development projects, this role offers the chance to contribute to nationally significant work across transport, energy, water, defence, and housing. The consultancy provides a collaborative culture that supports professional growth, values innovation, and is committed to creating positive outcomes for people, places, and the environment.

Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• Professional development opportunities, including RTPI accreditation support
• Involvement in diverse, high-profile projects shaping sustainable communities and infrastructure
• Inclusive, supportive workplace culture that encourages collaboration and new ideas
• Regular social and team-building activities celebrating success

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead planning input on major infrastructure and development projects
• Manage multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring effective delivery
• Contribute to bid preparation, tenders, and framework submissions
• Build strong client relationships and support business development
• Mentor junior colleagues and promote a culture of learning
• Collaborate with colleagues across environmental, engineering, and design disciplines

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A degree in Town Planning (RTPI membership desirable)
• Several years' planning experience, ideally on infrastructure or large-scale projects
• Knowledge of TCPA, DCO, TWAO, or equivalent application processes
• Understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment and planning policy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to clearly explain complex issues
• A proactive, resilient, and collaborative approach to project delivery
• Experience developing client relationships and supporting business growth

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated Senior or Principal Planner to shape some of the UK's most high-profile projects while enjoying a positive, inclusive workplace that values innovation, wellbeing, and career development.

If this role is of interest, please contact Joel Bland on (phone number removed) or email at (url removed)

Senior/Principal Town Planner - Infrastructure & Development Projects
Location: North of England - Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting one of the UK's most respected multi-disciplinary consultancies in their search for experienced Senior or Principal Town Planners to join their growing Planning & Environmental team in the North of England.

This market-leading consultancy works at the cutting edge of sustainable development, infrastructure delivery, and national planning policy, partnering with major public and private sector clients across the UK and internationally. From Net Zero to Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation, this is an opportunity to work with one of the UK's most forward-thinking planning teams.

The Opportunity:

You'll be joining a dynamic and high-performing planning team that supports clients across key markets including Energy, Water, Transport, Defence, and Housing. Key clients include the Environment Agency, National Highways, Homes England, Network Rail, Transport for the North, High Speed 2, the GLA, the Ministry of Defence, and many others. You'll also be working on strategic planning, policy, and infrastructure delivery across local authorities, LEPs, and private developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on a range of planning projects, including major applications and strategic planning
• Act as project lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams across complex schemes
• Oversee project delivery, including programme and budget management
• Support bid writing and framework submissions
• Mentor junior team members and help shape the future of the planning team
• Engage with clients and market leads to drive business growth and enhance market presence

What We're Looking For:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related subject (RTPI membership desirable)
• Experience delivering projects under TCPA, DCO, TWAO, or equivalent consenting regimes
• Strong understanding of EIA, planning policy, and infrastructure planning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presenting
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines
• Experience developing client relationships and contributing to work winning
• A collaborative mindset with the confidence to lead or work within multi-disciplinary teams

Why Join?

• Work on nation-shaping infrastructure projects with a leading consultancy
• Hybrid and flexible working to support your work-life balance
• Supportive and inclusive team environment focused on career growth
• Competitive salary, annual bonus, and an excellent benefits package
• Genuine commitment to sustainability, equality, and social value initiatives

This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and experienced Planner to contribute to some of the UK's most impactful and strategic projects.

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) .