Penguin Recruitment is excited to partner with a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in search of a Principal Planner to join their expanding planning team in Newcastle. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to lead complex planning projects, manage and develop a growing team, and play a key role in shaping and expanding the planning services across the business.

As a Principal Planner, you will take ownership of major commissions from early strategy through to planning consent, acting as the senior planning lead for clients and stakeholders. You will contribute to business development, resourcing, and quality assurance, while helping to drive growth within the planning team. The role offers exposure to an exciting and diverse portfolio including residential developments, environmental and marine projects, commercial and industrial schemes, renewables and energy infrastructure, major infrastructure and consenting, and stakeholder engagement. Although based in Newcastle, the team supports projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, alongside a strong local client base.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy and delivery on major and complex projects

• Manage and mentor junior planners, supporting team performance

• Oversee and coordinate a wide range of planning and consenting submissions

• Act as senior planning point of contact for clients

• Lead stakeholder engagement with LPAs, statutory consultees, communities, and political stakeholders

• Manage project budgets, programmes, and governance

• Prepare fee proposals and tender submissions

• Collaborate with internal engineering, transport, environmental, and design teams to deliver integrated outcomes

As Principal Planner, you will ensure projects are delivered efficiently while maintaining the highest technical standards and client satisfaction. You will be a visible leader within the planning team, helping to foster a collaborative culture and support professional development.

About You
Essential:

• Proven track record leading major and complex planning applications from pre-application through to determination

• Strong client management experience

• Demonstrable people leadership (mentoring, line management, or leading teams/programmes)

• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

• MRTPI Chartered (or operating at Chartered level with a clear route to completion)

• Strong understanding of planning policy, development management, and the wider regulatory environment

• Confident written and verbal communication skills

Desirable:

• Experience or exposure to EIA projects

• Commercial awareness and experience managing fees and budgets

• An established professional network

This Principal Planner role offers a senior leadership position with real autonomy and no ceiling on progression. You will work on high-profile, technically diverse projects while enjoying flexible and hybrid working arrangements, enhanced annual leave, pension, private healthcare, and professional subscriptions. The consultancy provides structured CPD and fosters a culture focused on quality, integrity, and sustainable outcomes.

For further details or to apply, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.