Senior Town Planner | Principal Town Planner

Job title:

Senior / Principal Town Planner

Location:

Sutton Coldfield (Hybrid Working)

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well‑established and highly respected planning consultancy in their search for a Senior or Principal Town Planner to join their Sutton Coldfield office.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced MRTPI‑qualified planner to work on a diverse portfolio of major residential‑led schemes for national and regional house builders, alongside a supportive and growing team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering complex planning applications and advising clients on strategic planning matters. Responsibilities will include:

• Preparing high‑quality planning statements, Statements of Community Involvement and supporting documentation for a wide range of planning applications with minimal supervision.
• Assisting with major planning applications (outline, full and reserved matters) for residential and mixed‑use developments.
• Attending planning committees to present and defend proposals and respond to committee questions.
• Organising and managing public consultation events (online and in person) and engaging with stakeholders and the wider public.
• Undertaking site appraisals and advising clients on development potential and planning strategy.
• Developing innovative and commercially focused planning strategies to challenge established planning positions and unlock site potential.
• Managing and supporting planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and Public Inquiries, with potential expert witness involvement.
• Preparing representations to emerging Local Plans and participating in the Examination in Public process.
• Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team.

• MRTPI qualified with a minimum of 5 years' experience in the private sector, with some experience in a local authority setting.
• Strong knowledge of the development management process and plan‑making system.
• Proven ability to manage complex planning projects and work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to think creatively to solve planning challenges.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car (preferred).

• Highly competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Hybrid working (currently 3 days per week in the office).
• Dedicated car parking space.
• NEST pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus a Christmas‑New Year office shutdown.
• Ongoing CPD and training support.
• Quarterly staff social events.
• A developing benefits package, expected to include private healthcare, enhanced pension and salary sacrifice options.
• Genuine long‑term career progression opportunities with support for additional training and professional development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated planner looking to take the next step in their career within a dynamic and supportive consultancy environment.

Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP, so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.