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 01792 963134 or alternatively, send your CV and Portfolio across to sophie.ferguson@penguinrecruitment.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you soon.