Senior Town Planner Principal Town Planner

  • Penguin Recruitment
  • City, Leeds
  • Feb 12, 2026
Full time Executive

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Town Planner Principal Town Planner

Location: Leeds

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing and highly regarded planning consultancy in their search for a Senior / Principal Town Planner to join their expanding teams in Leeds and Manchester.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious planning professional to take the next step in their career, working within a multidisciplinary environment on strategic planning projects, with a strong focus on residential-led planning applications and land promotion work.



The Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the growth of the consultancy's Northern planning team and will work closely with colleagues across development economics, design, heritage, and related disciplines.

You will be involved in projects from the earliest stages, providing initial advice and input into design development, through to securing planning consent and managing post-consent matters. There will also be opportunities to support planning appeals and Local Plan examinations.



Key Responsibilities

  • Advising on the development potential of land and buildings
  • Preparing and managing planning applications and appeals
  • Providing planning policy advice and undertaking research
  • Drafting representations to Local Plan consultations and examinations
  • Assisting in identifying land and development opportunities
  • Working collaboratively with clients and external consultants
  • Supporting business development and client relationship activities


About You

To be considered for this role, you will have:

  • A relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in Planning
  • RTPI membership or be working towards chartership
  • A solid understanding of the UK planning system and processes
  • Excellent written skills with strong attention to detail
  • Strong verbal communication skills and a professional, approachable manner
  • A proactive, enthusiastic, and team-focused approach

This opportunity would suit either an experienced Planner ready to step up into a Senior or Principal-level role, or a Senior Planner seeking broader responsibility and career development within a new consultancy environment.



What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • Private medical insurance and payment of relevant professional subscriptions
  • Hybrid and agile working with flexibility around working patterns
  • Exposure to a wide variety of planning applications and land promotion projects
  • The opportunity to join a growing team and influence regional business strategy
  • A supportive and collaborative consultancy culture

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).