Job Title: Principal/Associate Town Planner
Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a forward-thinking and ambitious planning consultancy in Buckinghamshire to recruit a Principal / Associate Town Planner.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to join an established, close-knit consultancy where you can take ownership of major projects, influence business strategy and play a key role in the continued growth of the business.
With a team of 11 and over 80 years of combined experience across the public and private sectors, the consultancy offers something a little different from a larger corporate environment. You'll be joining a collaborative team where your contribution is recognised, your ideas are encouraged, and you have genuine scope to make an impact.
The Opportunity
The successful Principal / Associate Town Planner will take a leading role in delivering a varied portfolio of strategically important planning projects across multiple sectors.
The workload is diverse, spanning residential development, strategic land, renewable energy, healthcare, minerals and waste, and commercial schemes. You'll have the opportunity to work holistically with clients, providing planning advice and developing strategies from initial concept through to successful delivery.
This is a position for someone who enjoys responsibility, building relationships and being involved in the wider direction of a consultancy. Alongside project delivery, you'll play an important role in mentoring colleagues, developing client relationships and supporting business development.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage major planning projects, ensuring successful delivery from inception through to determination.
Develop and implement planning strategies for clients across a broad range of sectors.
Build and maintain strong, long-term client relationships, becoming a trusted point of contact.
Provide leadership, guidance and mentoring to the wider planning team.
Support business development activities, identifying opportunities and developing new client relationships.
Represent the consultancy at industry events, networking opportunities and professional forums.
Deliver CPD sessions and contribute to the ongoing professional development of the team.
Help raise the profile and reputation of the business across the region.
Take ownership of fee-earning targets, project budgets and individual performance objectives.
About You
We're keen to speak with an experienced Principal / Associate Town Planner who is commercially aware, confident in their technical abilities and motivated to take the next step in their career.
Ideally, you'll bring:
A degree in Town Planning or a relevant discipline.
At least 7 years' experience within the town planning sector, ideally spanning both public and private sector environments.
Chartered membership of the RTPI.
Strong project management experience and a proven ability to lead complex planning applications and strategies.
Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, policy, regulations and case law.
Confidence in managing client relationships and identifying business development opportunities.
Experience mentoring colleagues and supporting the development of junior planners.
The confidence to deliver CPD presentations and represent the business externally.
A proactive, collaborative approach, with the ambition to contribute to the long-term success of the consultancy.
What's on Offer?
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Competitive salary, reflective of experience.
Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
A supportive, close-knit team with a genuinely collaborative culture.
Exposure to a varied and interesting project portfolio across multiple sectors.
Healthcare package, including gym membership.
Birthday leave - an additional day off during your birthday month.
Regular team events and away days.
Convenient office location close to the town centre and train station, with parking, EV charging and cycle storage.
A relaxed working environment where your contribution and development genuinely matter.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is a chance to join a growing consultancy where you won't simply be another member of the team. You'll have the opportunity to influence the direction of the business, develop meaningful client relationships and contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
For an ambitious Principal / Associate Town Planner, this represents an excellent opportunity to combine technical planning expertise with leadership, commercial responsibility and genuine 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)
