Senior Planning Consultant

About the role
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an award-winning and market-leading specialist provider of planning, land, property, and business solutions. They are an established and trusted organisation that is renowned for its expertise in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to both public and private sectors. The team delivers bespoke, flexible, and efficient services through a process-orientated delivery structure. They pride themselves on strong customer relationships evidenced by the high proportion of referrals and repeat business.

What the company offers

• Competitive salary with flexible working and hybrid options
• Comprehensive benefits:
  Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Programme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, and option to purchase extra leave
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Strong focus on training, development, and career progression
• Supportive, collaborative team culture

Key responsibilities

• Provide online/remote planning advice and guidance
• Support Planning Guidance Service and Local Authority work
• Prepare for customer meetings by reviewing local planning policy, history, and constraints
• Produce summaries and detailed consultancy reports with advice and recommendations
• Complete delegated and committee planning reports to KPI targets
• Prepare planning forms, documents, and site plans; conduct site visits where required
• Communicate and negotiate with applicants, agents, and internal teams
• Maintain accurate records, compile reports, and update enquiry databases
• Perform peer review, quality assurance, and support business development
• Ensure high productivity, efficiency, and right-first-time delivery

Candidate requirements

• Relevant BA degree or RTPI-certified planning qualification
• Minimum 2 years' experience in Local Planning Authority and/or private sector
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; confident advising customers and stakeholders
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines in a KPI-driven environment
• Analytical skills to assess plans against local, regional, and national policy
• Up to date with planning policies and committed to CPD
• Leadership or mentoring experience desirable
• RTPI membership eligibility desirable
• Full driving licence desirable

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Joel Bland on (phone number removed) or email at (url removed)