Principal/Associate Planner : Infrastructure and Environmental

TipTopJob is seeking a Principal/Associate Planner for Infrastructure and Environmental Planning. This role involves leading a team in delivering environmental and planning services, managing complex applications, and engaging with clients and stakeholders. The position is hybrid with flexible working arrangements across the UK. Candidates should be MRTPI Chartered Town Planners with significant experience in infrastructure or utilities. The company offers competitive benefits and a focus on professional development.
Principal Planner : Infrastructure and Environmental Planning

Location: Flexible (UK:wide) Hybrid Working Available

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading consultancy operating at the forefront of the UKs Utilities and Infrastructure sectors. This multi:disciplinary firm plays a pivotal role in helping clients progress major infrastructure and energy projects that move the UK and Ireland closer to Net Zero. Their integrated teams work across land access, environmental planning, and geospatial services to secure key consents for nationally significant projects.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership
• Lead a team to deliver a wide range of environmental and planning services, with a strong focus on planning assessments, applications, screening, scoping, and policy analysis.
• Manage and contribute to the preparation of complex planning applications and reports, maintaining high technical standards.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement
• Build strong working relationships with internal teams, local authority planners, technical specialists, and client stakeholders.
• Represent clients at meetings and site visits, providing strategic planning advice.

Project Ownership
• Take responsibility for project timelines and delivery, working proactively to exceed client expectations.
• Provide senior:level guidance on complex planning matters and contribute to new business development through cross:selling services and identifying opportunities.

Team Development
• Support the learning and development of junior team members through mentoring, feedback, and effective delegation.
• Promote a positive team culture and demonstrate leadership in line with the companys core values.

Professional Development
• Engage in CPD activities, maintaining professional knowledge and, where applicable, progressing towards further qualifications or chartered status.
• Participate in company initiatives, social events, and wider professional networks.

Candidate Profile
• MRTPI Chartered Town Planner.
• Extensive experience managing planning projects in the infrastructure, energy, or utilities sectors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare proposals, lead negotiations, and deliver technical reports.
• Commercially aware and confident in client:facing situations.
• Knowledge of GIS and an understanding of environmental disciplines.
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Organised, collaborative, and self:motivated with a solution:focused mindset.

Whats on Offer
• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Private healthcare and discounted gym membership via Vitality Health
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support work:life balance
• Generous maternity/paternity leave policies
• Life insurance (4x salary) and pension scheme
• Study leave and professional development support
• Sabbatical after 3 years of service
• Company:wide and office social events throughout the year
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support resources

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and values:driven organisation making a tangible impact on sustainable infrastructure in the UK.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, Josh Jones on 365 000 or