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 preparation

About 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 probation

If 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