Job Summary
Wob Overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Planner to join our planning team. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading complex planning projects, managing client relationships, and providing expert planning advice across a range of developments.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled planning professional to take on a senior role within a dynamic and growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a portfolio of planning projects from inception through to determination and delivery.
- Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications, appeals, and development proposals.
- Provide expert advice on planning policy, development management, and regulatory compliance.
- Conduct site appraisals and feasibility studies to assess development potential.
- Represent clients at planning committees, public consultations, inquiries, and hearings.
- Liaise with local authorities, stakeholders, consultants, and community groups to achieve positive planning outcomes.
- Mentor and support junior planning staff, fostering professional development within the team.
- Contribute to business development activities, including preparing fee proposals and securing new work.
- Monitor changes in planning legislation and policy, ensuring best practice is maintained across all projects.
- Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and recommendations for clients and senior management.
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Significant experience in town planning, ideally within a consultancy, local authority, or developer environment.
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and development management processes.
- Proven experience managing complex planning applications and appeals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and negotiation abilities.
- Ability to lead projects, manage workloads, and meet deadlines effectively.
Desirable
- Experience working on large-scale residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects.
- Previous mentoring experience.
- Established network within the planning and development sector.
- Experience in business development and client acquisition.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
- Leadership and team development.
- Commercial awareness.
- Negotiation and influencing skills.
- Attention to detail and high-quality report writing.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Hybrid working options.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Pension scheme and other employee benefits.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to [email protected] by 21st August 2026.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee mentoring programme
- Free flu jabs
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Winchester SO23 8RY
