Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner
16 days ago
Sutton Coldfield
Job title: Senior / Principal Town Planner Location: Sutton Coldfield (Hybrid Working) Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and highly respected planning consultancy in their search for a Senior or Principal Town Planner to join their Sutton Coldfield office. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced MRTPI-qualified planner to work on a diverse portfolio of major residential-led schemes for national and regional housebuilders, alongside a supportive and growing team. The Role The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering complex planning applications and advising clients on strategic planning matters. Responsibilities will include: • Preparing high-quality planning statements, Statements of Community Involvement and supporting documentation for a wide range of planning applications with minimal supervision. * Assisting with major planning applications (outline, full and reserved matters) for residential and mixed-use developments. * Attending planning committees to present and defend proposals and respond to committee questions. * Organising and managing public consultation events (online and in person) and engaging with stakeholders and the wider public. * Undertaking site appraisals and advising clients on development potential and planning strategy. * Developing innovative and commercially focused planning strategies to challenge established planning positions and unlock site potential. * Managing and supporting planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and Public Inquiries, with potential expert witness involvement. * Preparing representations to emerging Local Plans and participating in the Examination in Public process. * Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team. Candidate Requirements • MRTPI qualified with a minimum of 5 years' experience in the private sector, with some experience in a local authority setting. * Strong knowledge of the development management process and plan-making system. * Proven ability to manage complex planning projects and work with minimal supervision. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Commercial awareness and the ability to think creatively to solve planning challenges. * Full UK driving licence and access to a car (preferred). What's on Offer • Highly competitive salary (dependent on experience). * Hybrid working (currently 3 days per week in the office). * Dedicated car parking space. * NEST pension scheme. * 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus a Christmas-New Year office shutdown. * Ongoing CPD and training support. * Quarterly staff social events. * A developing benefits package, expected to include private healthcare, enhanced pension and salary sacrifice options. * Genuine long-term career progression opportunities with support for additional training and professional development. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated planner looking to take the next step in their career within a dynamic and supportive consultancy environment. Interested?