Principal/Associate Planner - Infrastructure & Environmental

Penguin Recruitment seeks a Principal/Associate Planner - Infrastructure & Environmental for a hybrid role based in the UK. The role involves leading planning projects, engaging with clients and stakeholders, and mentoring junior staff. Candidates should be MRTPI Chartered with experience in infrastructure or utilities planning. The position offers competitive salary, benefits, and support for professional development, contributing to sustainable infrastructure initiatives.
Principal Planner - Infrastructure & 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 UK's 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 & 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 company's 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.

What's on Offer
Competitive salary and annual bonus25 days annual leave plus your birthday offPrivate healthcare and discounted gym membership via Vitality HealthHybrid and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balanceGenerous maternity/paternity leave policiesLife insurance (4x salary) and pension schemeStudy leave and professional development supportSabbatical after 3 years of serviceCompany-wide and office social events throughout the yearElectric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice SchemeCycle to Work SchemeEmployee 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, please contact Josh Jones on 01792 365 000 or josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk