Location
Sutton Coldfield
Industry sector
Environment
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
03/08/2026
Closing date
24/08/2026
Job title: Senior / Principal Town Planner
Location: Sutton Coldfield (Hybrid Working)
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and highly respected planning consultancy in their search for a Senior or Principal Town Planner to join their Sutton Coldfield office.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced MRTPI-qualified planner to work on a diverse portfolio of major residential-led schemes for national and regional housebuilders, alongside a supportive and growing team.
The Role
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering complex planning applications and advising clients on strategic planning matters. Responsibilities will include:
* Preparing high-quality planning statements, Statements of Community Involvement and supporting documentation for a wide range of planning applications with minimal supervision.
* Assisting with major planning applications (outline, full and reserved matters) for residential and mixed-use developments.
* Attending planning committees to present and defend proposals and respond to committee questions.
* Organising and managing public consultation events (online and in person) and engaging with stakeholders and the wider public.
* Undertaking site appraisals and advising clients on development potential and planning strategy.
* Developing innovative and commercially focused planning strategies to challenge established planning positions and unlock site potential.
* Managing and supporting planning appeals, including written representations, hearings and Public Inquiries, with potential expert witness involvement.
* Preparing representations to emerging Local Plans and participating in the Examination in Public process.
* Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team.
Candidate Requirements
* MRTPI qualified with a minimum of 5 years' experience in the private sector, with some experience in a local authority setting.
* Strong knowledge of the development management process and plan-making system.
* Proven ability to manage complex planning projects and work with minimal supervision.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Commercial awareness and the ability to think creatively to solve planning challenges.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a car (preferred).
What's on Offer
* Highly competitive salary (dependent on experience).
* Hybrid working (currently 3 days per week in the office).
* Dedicated car parking space.
* NEST pension scheme.
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, plus a Christmas-New Year office shutdown.
* Ongoing CPD and training support.
* Quarterly staff social events.
* A developing benefits package, expected to include private healthcare, enhanced pension and salary sacrifice options.
* Genuine long-term career progression opportunities with support for additional training and professional development.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated planner looking to take the next step in their career within a dynamic and supportive consultancy environment.
Interested?