Principal Planner - Penguin Recruitment Ltd : Job Details

Job Title: Principal Planner

Location: Bedfordshire

Are you an experienced and motivated Planner looking to take your career to the next level?

My client, a fast-growing development management team, is seeking a skilled professional to join their expanding Planning Team. This role offers the opportunity to lead a range of exciting development projects, from £250k to £25m, guiding them through every stage of the lifecycle.

As a Principal Planner, you will have the chance to shape high-profile projects from inception to completion, working with a mix of in-house teams and external experts, including architects and sub-consultants. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in a rapidly growing organization while advancing your career in planning and development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Leadership: Manage the planning process for multiple large-scale projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to high-quality standards.
• Strategic Advice: Provide strategic planning guidance to clients, navigating complex regulatory requirements.
• Client Representation: Represent the company at planning committees, public consultations, and meetings with government bodies and key stakeholders.
• Team Coordination: Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including external consultants, to ensure cohesive and successful project delivery.
• Planning Applications: Oversee the submission of planning applications, including pre-application discussions and post-decision conditions.
• Policy & Feasibility: Play a key role in preparing planning policy documents and conducting feasibility studies for new and ongoing projects.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Degree: A degree in Geography, Urban Planning, or a related field with a 2:1 or higher.
• Experience: A minimum of 3-4 years in planning, ideally within a private planning consultancy or developer environment.
• Professional Accreditation: Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or eligibility for chartered status is preferred.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills with a proven ability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
• Driving License: A full UK driving license with the flexibility to travel to site visits across the UK.

Interested?The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on or