Town Planner Senior Town Planner

Job Title: Planner / Assistant Planner

Location: Preston or Manchester
Full-time | Competitive Salary | Excellent Benefits | Private Healthcare | Flexible Working

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy with offices in Preston and Manchester. This dynamic and well-regarded firm is known for its personal, tailored service and expertise across both public and private sector projects. With clients ranging from landowners and developers to public bodies and professionals in the property sector, they offer a varied and stimulating workload with real opportunities for professional growth.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a professional, ambitious and proactive Planner or Assistant Planner to join this vibrant and dedicated planning team. You'll work on a broad mix of projects across multiple sectors, taking responsibility for planning work from initial appraisal and fee proposals through to submission of applications, appeals, and inquiries.

With a strong commercial mindset and client-focused approach, you will have the opportunity to take the lead on projects and develop your own client base over time, supported by a team that places professional development at the heart of what they do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit planning applications and appeals across a variety of sectors
• Respond to planning enquiries and provide planning policy advice
• Develop relationships with clients and external consultants
• Support the growth of the business through high-quality service and professionalism
• Contribute to multidisciplinary projects across the consultancy
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently

About You:

• MRTPI chartered (or working towards chartership)
• Strong technical knowledge of UK planning legislation, procedures, and practice
• Experience in preparing and submitting planning applications and appeals
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commercial awareness and ambition to grow your client base
• A "can-do" attitude and proactive, problem-solving approach

What's on Offer:

• Competitive salary, reviewed annually and based on experience
• Flexible working (minimum 37.5 hours/week)
• Private healthcare
• Company pension scheme with 5% employer contribution
• Full payment of professional fees
• Structured CPD and clear progression opportunities

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to develop their planning career within a collaborative, forward-thinking consultancy. Whether you are a recent graduate with some planning experience or an experienced planner ready for your next step, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information or to apply, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment at or call for a confidential discussion.