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?
The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792 362 010 or josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk
