Job reference
182880_1769766345
Company Name
Salary
£55000 - £65000 per annum + + Car Allowance
Location
Lewes
Industry sector
Environment
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
30/01/2026
Closing date
20/02/2026
Associate Town Planner | Associate Director - Town Planning
Location: Lewes or Guildford
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a highly respected multidisciplinary property and planning consultancy in their search for an experienced MRTPI-qualified Town Planner to join their growing team in either Lewes or Guildford.
This is an excellent opportunity to work on a broad and engaging portfolio of projects across the residential, rural, and strategic land sectors, supporting landowners, developers, and land promoters through the planning process.
The Role
You will work on a wide variety of planning projects including planning applications, appeals, and Local Plan representations. The successful candidate will lead their own projects while also supporting senior colleagues on complex and high-profile instructions.
You will be expected to provide commercially focused planning advice, deliver excellent client care, and contribute to ongoing client and business development.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage a range of planning applications and appeals
* Prepare high-quality planning reports and supporting documents
* Provide clear, commercially aware planning advice to clients
* Manage project timelines, budgets, and external consultants
* Support senior staff on complex planning strategies and promotions
* Build and maintain strong client relationships
* Contribute to business development and profile raising activities
Requirements
* MRTPI qualified
* Proven career progression within planning (private or public sector)
* Strong client management skills across a range of stakeholders
* High standard of written and analytical work
* Excellent research and problem-solving abilities
* Strong IT skills including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
Core Competencies
* Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities
* Flexible and agile in managing multiple projects
* Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
* Commercially aware and client-focused
* Proactive and solutions-driven
* Confident communicator and collaborative team player
* Able to recognise limits and seek specialist input when needed
* Driven to deliver high-quality work and continuously improve
Personal Attributes
* Strong team player with a collaborative mindset
* Motivated to build a professional reputation and client base
* Personable and professional in client interactions
* Skilled at building relationships internally and externally
* Strong project management capability and delivery focus
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive benefits package, including:
* Private medical cover
* Generous annual leave plus option to purchase additional days
* Pension and life assurance
* Company car allowance
* Bonus scheme participation
* Income protection
* Season ticket loan
* Health & wellbeing support
* Gym and leisure discounts
* Cycle to work scheme
* Volunteering and social initiatives
* Retail and travel perks
Interested?