Principal Planner
Location: Nottingham

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be working with a well established and respected planning and design consultancy based in Nottingham. They are known for delivering innovative, high quality projects across the UK, and their office is now seeking a Principal Planner to join their senior team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a collaborative, high profile environment where planners work alongside urban designers, architects, and major clients to help shape sustainable, meaningful places.

The Benefits

• Competitive salary tailored to experience

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

• Excellent professional development support, including RTPI CPD

• Opportunities to lead nationally significant and complex projects

• Inclusive and supportive team culture

• Clear progression pathway within a well-regarded consultancy

The Role
As a Principal Planner, you will take a leadership role in delivering strategic and complex planning projects across sectors such as residential, commercial, regeneration, infrastructure, and mixed-use developments. You will manage client relationships, guide multidisciplinary teams, and influence projects from inception to delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, managing, and securing major planning projects

• Preparing, coordinating, and submitting complex planning applications

• Providing high-level planning advice, strategies, and policy guidance

• Preparing planning statements, supporting documents, and proofs of evidence

• Engaging with senior clients, local authorities, and stakeholders

• Mentoring and developing senior and junior team members

• Driving best practice and contributing to the strategic growth of the Nottingham office

About You
We’re looking for a senior planning professional who brings:

• MRTPI status

• Significant experience in planning consultancy, local authority, or client-side roles

• Proven track record delivering large-scale and complex development projects

• Excellent report writing, project management, and leadership skills

• Confidence in managing client relationships and influencing stakeholders

• Strategic thinking, proactive approach, and passion for high-quality placemaking

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected planning consultancy where your expertise, leadership, and career ambitions will be fully supported.

If you’re interested in this Principal Planner role, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.