Full job descriptionSenior Planner
Location: Manchester
Salary: £40-50,000
Penguin Recruitment is pleased to be partnering with a fast-growing, ambitious planning and development consultancy to recruit a Senior Planner for its expanding Manchester team. This is a great chance for an experienced planning professional to take the next step in their career with a forward-looking consultancy that puts its people first. You will work on a diverse mix of projects across the UK, delivering high-quality planning advice and guiding clients through complex planning issues.
In this Senior Planner role, you will lead a variety of planning projects, develop strong client relationships and work closely with Local Planning Authorities, consultants and senior colleagues to secure successful results.
Key Responsibilities
*Leading a diverse portfolio of planning and development projects from initial instruction through to completion.
*Giving strategic, commercially minded planning advice to clients across multiple sectors.
*Shaping planning strategies for complex development schemes and finding practical solutions to planning challenges.
*Producing and overseeing planning appraisals, statements, reports and applications.
*Actively driving planning applications forward, including negotiating with Local Planning Authorities and case officers.
*Liaising with clients, external consultants and multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects run smoothly.
*Spotting planning risks and opportunities, while keeping projects on track for agreed deadlines and budgets.
*Contributing to business development, client relationship management and the mentoring of junior team members.
About You
*A relevant degree in Town Planning, Geography, Environmental Planning or a related field; a Master’s qualification is desirable.
*Substantial planning experience, preferably within a consultancy or comparable professional setting.
*MRTPI status, or currently working towards Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
*Sound understanding of the UK planning system, planning legislation and both national and local planning policy.
*A track record of managing planning projects and applications, with the ability to work autonomously.
*Excellent communication, report writing and presentation skills, and confidence when dealing with clients and key stakeholders.
*Strong commercial awareness and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
*A proactive, solutions-driven mindset, with experience of supporting or mentoring junior colleagues being desirable.
What’s on Offer?
*26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell extra leave.
*A competitive company bonus scheme and pension.
*Flexible and hybrid working options.
*A varied and stimulating portfolio of development projects across the UK.
*Strong prospects for career progression, professional development and ongoing RTPI support.
*The chance to own your projects and build solid client management experience.
*A supportive, collaborative and people-centred working culture.
*The opportunity to play a key part in the continued growth of an ambitious, forward-thinking planning consultancy.
This is a superb opportunity for an experienced Planner or Senior Planner wanting to advance their career with a growing consultancy. You will be able to take ownership of your projects, deepen your client relationships and help deliver high-quality planning solutions across a varied, UK-wide portfolio.
To apply, please call Sophie on or alternatively, send your CV and Portfolio across to