Job Title: Town Planner

Location: Cambridge

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with an established and growing planning consultancy to recruit a Town Planner for its Cambridge office.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated planning professional to join a supportive and collaborative team, working on a varied portfolio of projects across the built environment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, develop strong client relationships and further strengthen their technical planning expertise.

Whether you're an experienced MRTPI-qualified planner or working towards chartership, this role offers the opportunity to progress your career within a business that values professional development, transferable skills and individual potential.

The Opportunity

As a Town Planner, you'll be involved in all aspects of the planning process, supporting clients across a diverse range of development proposals.

You'll undertake planning appraisals, prepare and submit planning applications, develop planning strategies and liaise with local authorities and key stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.

Working alongside an experienced and supportive team, you'll manage your own portfolio of projects, contribute to wider project delivery and have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients and industry contacts.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare planning appraisals for land, buildings and development proposals.
• Undertake planning policy research, site assessments and feasibility studies.
• Prepare and submit pre-application enquiries, planning applications and appeals.
• Draft Planning Statements and supporting planning documentation.
• Contribute to Design and Access Statements, Sustainability Statements and other technical reports.
• Manage a varied portfolio of projects, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Liaise and negotiate with local planning authorities, statutory consultees and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and industry contacts.
• Attend and present at client meetings, public consultations, Parish Council meetings and Planning Committees.
• Develop practical and commercially aware planning strategies to secure positive outcomes.
• Interpret technical information and prepare clear, high-quality reports and recommendations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation, policy and industry developments.

About You

We're keen to speak with a motivated Town Planner who has a strong understanding of the UK planning system and is looking to develop their career within a consultancy environment.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• MRTPI qualification or be actively working towards chartership with relevant experience.
• Previous experience within a planning consultancy, local authority or similar planning environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK planning policy, legislation and development management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence managing multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Experience dealing with clients and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to produce high-quality written work.
• Good commercial awareness and a proactive approach to project delivery.
• Competence in Microsoft Office and relevant planning research tools.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.

The business recognises that great candidates don't always tick every box. Transferable skills, enthusiasm and the potential to develop are equally valued.

What's on Offer?

• 25 days annual leave, increasing by one day each year up to 28 days.
• Life assurance at four times your basic salary.
• Private medical cover, including a Westfield Health cash plan (following probation).
• Travel insurance (following probation).
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Holiday buy-back scheme.
• Long-service awards.
• One paid volunteering day each year for a charity

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792 362 010 or josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk