Job summary
Principal Planner
Location: Head Office, Nottinghamshire
Type: Remote Hybrid
Key skills required for this role
5-7 years private sector Town Planning experience or equivalent
Important
Job description
We are seeking an experienced Principal Planner to take a leading role in the delivery of complex and high-value planning projects. This is an exciting opportunity to manage your own caseload-particularly large-scale residential schemes-while shaping the strategic direction of client work, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to overall business development.
As a key member of our team, you'll act as a brand ambassador, help build lasting client relationships, and contribute directly to company growth through high-quality project delivery and thought leadership in planning practice.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Independently manage a portfolio of major planning applications and appeals
2. Lead large-scale residential projects from inception to completion
3. Undertake site assessments, strategic land identification, and promotion
4. Liaise with local authorities, stakeholders, and third-party consultants
5. Attend and present at appeal hearings and examinations in public
6. Collaborate with architects, engineers, surveyors, and other professionals
7. Write comprehensive planning reports and supporting documents
8. Analyse complex data and evaluate evidence objectively
9. Engage in negotiations to achieve optimal planning outcomes
10. Attend public meetings and liaise with councillors and the wider community
11. Offer ad-hoc advice to clients and assist colleagues with shared workloads
12. Provide mentoring and support to junior team members
13. Monitor budgets, prepare invoices, and manage project finances
14. Stay up to date with planning legislation and policy changes
What We're Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience:
15. 5-7 years' minimum professional experience (ideally in private consultancy or similar environment)
16. Proven experience managing complex planning projects, particularly residential schemes
17. Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and legislation
18. Excellent communication, negotiation, and client engagement skills
19. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general IT systems
20. High-quality report writing and analytical skills
21. Strong time management and organisational abilities
22. Confidence to work independently or within a team
23. Detail-oriented, methodical, and able to meet tight deadlines
24. Full clean UK driving licence
Desirable:
25. Understanding of urban design and masterplanning
26. An existing client base or ability to generate new business is advantageous
What We Offer
27. Competitive market salary
28. Flexible working hours and remote/hybrid options
29. Minimum 22 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
30. Additional Birthday Leave
31. Health insurance
32. Company pension scheme
33. Paid membership of one professional body (others considered)
34. Discretionary leave over Christmas and New Year
35. Potential for performance-related bonuses
36. A friendly, close-knit, and supportive team culture with high staff retention
37. Opportunities for continued progression and professional development
38. Share
Matchtech is a STEM Recruitment Specialist, with over 40 years’ experience