Bolton
Environment
Permanent | Full Time
ASAP
04/06/2025
25/06/2025
Senior Planner / Associate Planner
Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester
Salary: Circa £45,000 DOE + Bonus + Hybrid Working
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing rural planning and property consultancy in their search for a Senior Planner or Associate Planner to join their South Manchester office.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner to take on a leadership role within a dynamic and forward-thinking team. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong competence in Green Belt policy and strategy, with the ability to deliver clear, creative solutions to complex planning challenges.
About the Company:
This established consultancy provides expert advice on planning and property matters across the rural, residential, and commercial sectors. Their approach is built around clarity, innovation, and delivering value - with a strong reputation for unlocking development potential across the North West.
With a client-focused and collaborative culture, this is a business that values initiative, clear communication, and high-quality service delivery. Planning is central to their offering, and with increasing demand for their services, they are now looking to strengthen their team further.
Role Overview:
The successful candidate will lead and manage a wide range of planning projects, supporting clients through the full planning process - from early advice to submission and post-determination. You will be responsible for mentoring junior team members and play a key role in shaping the ongoing success of the planning team.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and representations
* Take ownership of projects from inception through to completion
* Build and maintain relationships with clients, local authorities, and external consultants
* Provide strategic planning advice and input into business development
* Guide and support junior team members (including a Graduate Planner and Assistant PM)
* Monitor changes in planning policy and legislation
About You:
We are looking for a commercially aware, motivated planner who thrives in a client-facing role and enjoys working on a varied project portfolio.
Requirements:
* Experience in town planning (private or public sector)
* MRTPI chartered (or eligible for chartered status)
* Strong project management and organisational skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication
* Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
* Experience or interest in rural planning is advantageous
* Competent with Microsoft Office and CRM/project management tools
What's on Offer:
* Competitive salary, circa £45,000 depending on experience
* Performance-related bonus (post-probation, based on individual KPIs)
* Flexible hybrid working
* Supportive office culture with full administrative and project support
* Clear progression opportunities and ongoing professional development
Interested?