Job Title: Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead
Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.
Location: Kettering
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multi-disciplinary property and land consultancy in the Midlands with the appointment of a Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead.
This well-established consultancy provides integrated services across planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation, and business consultancy. With a strong regional presence and a collaborative, multi-disciplinary development team, the business combines the breadth of a larger consultancy with the autonomy and close-knit culture of a smaller practice.
Due to strategic growth ambitions within the Kettering office, they are seeking a senior planning professional with a proven track record of driving growth, building teams, and establishing a strong market presence.
The Role - Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead
This is a senior, client-facing role combining technical delivery, team leadership, and strategic business development. You will act as the internal figurehead for planning and development within the Kettering office and play a pivotal role in shaping and expanding the consultancy's regional planning offer.
Key Responsibilities:
* Act as the technical lead and internal authority on planning and development matters
* Deliver planning consultancy across a range of sectors, including strategic and development planning advice
* Coordinate and prepare planning applications, provide expert client advice, and manage post-planning negotiations and appeals
* Demonstrate strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, including technical design, procurement, and construction-phase services
* Lead and coordinate internal and external project teams, managing risk, programmes, and delivery
* Support and mentor junior team members, contributing to capability growth
Strategic Growth Responsibilities:
* Develop a deep understanding of the consultancy's service offerings and how they integrate to provide a unique client proposition
* Cross-sell services such as land promotion, agency, and valuation
* Drive marketing, business development, and brand awareness across Northamptonshire
* Build and leverage a strong network of developers, landowners, promoters, and agents
* Increase the volume and quality of planning and development instructions
* Identify opportunities to diversify service offerings and target markets
Person Specification:
* Proven experience in planning consultancy and development leadership
* Excellent people management and team-building capabilities
* Strong strategic thinking with attention to detail
* Confident decision-maker with strong problem-solving skills
* Resilient, adaptable, and commercially minded
* Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement
* MRTPI (or equivalent relevant qualification)
* Full, clean UK driving licence (essential)
Working Hours:
37.5 hours per week, worked flexibly Monday-Friday in line with an agile working philosophy. xxuwjjq
Benefits Package:
* Competitive salary reflective of experience and qualifications
* Professional membership fees paid and funded CPD and training
* Private healthcare scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme, health plan, and annual flu jab
* Agile working with a mix of office and remote work
* 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays), plus:
* Additional birthday leave
* Extra holiday for long service
* Discretionary bonus scheme
* Enhanced workplace pension
* Access to employee loan and internal service discounts after probation
* Salary sacrifice schemes (Electric Vehicle and Cycle to Work)
Interested?