Senior/Principal Planner

Job Title: Senior or Principal Planning Consultant
Location: Hereford

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established multi-disciplinary property consultancy in their search for a Senior or Principal Planning Consultant to join their growing team in Hereford.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within a business that combines the expertise of planners, surveyors, architects, engineers, and consultants to deliver a diverse range of projects. The company is large enough to provide variety and development opportunities, yet small enough to maintain a friendly, supportive, and collaborative working environment.

You'll be exposed to a broad spectrum of planning work, from applications and appeals to site promotions, across projects such as sustainable urban extensions, solar farms, and heritage conversions. The successful candidate will manage their own caseload, lead on multi-disciplinary projects, and have the freedom to specialise in areas that align with their professional interests.

The Role - Senior or Principal Planning Consultant

This position would suit an experienced planning professional from either the public or private sector who is looking to join a supportive team and continue progressing their career. You'll be confident, approachable, and capable of providing high-quality advice to clients and colleagues alike.

Key Responsibilities:

Preparing Planning Statements
Advising on Planning Strategy and Statutory Consents
Coordinating and submitting Planning Applications
Preparing and managing appeals
Attending Town & Parish Council and Planning Committee meetings
Leading on Call for Sites and Land Promotion projects
Reviewing Consultant and Specialist Reports
Supporting Environmental Statement preparationAbout You

We're looking for a professional who enjoys the people side of planning as much as the technical detail - someone proactive, communicative, and able to build strong client relationships.

Requirements:

Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Town Planning, Urban Design)
RTPI membership (or equivalent professional accreditation)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong understanding of the UK planning system
Minimum of 5 years' relevant professional experience
Ability to manage projects and provide confident, independent advice
Experience across a mix of urban and rural development projects
Full driving licence and access to a vehicle (for site visits)Benefits

Competitive salary reflective of experience and qualifications
Private healthcare for all employees
35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
Birthday day off and additional leave for long service
Agile/flexible working arrangements
Professional memberships paid and funded CPD opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme (including health plan and flu jab)
Enhanced workplace pension
Discretionary bonus opportunities
Salary sacrifice schemes (Electric Vehicle and Cycle to Work)
Employee loan and staff discounts following probationIf you're an experienced planner ready to take the next step in your career within a respected and people-focused consultancy, we'd love to hear from you.

Interested?
If you're looking for a new challenge and want to be part of a forward-thinking planning consultancy, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment