Principal Town Planner - Reading

Principal Planner - Reading
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Contract Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive + benefits

A leading global real estate advisory and consultancy firm is seeking a talented and experienced Principal Planner to join their dynamic planning team based in Reading. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior role with one of the most respected names in the property industry-an organisation renowned for delivering insightful, high-quality planning advice across the UK and internationally.

About Them

With over 160 years of experience and more than 40,000 professionals across 70 countries, this firm has built a reputation for helping people thrive through thoughtfully designed places and spaces. Their work spans commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects, providing bespoke solutions that help clients make better property decisions.

The Role

As a Principal Planner, you will take a lead role in delivering a wide range of planning projects, managing client relationships, and mentoring junior team members. You will be part of a high-performing team working on complex and high-profile developments across the South East and beyond.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading on planning applications, appeals, site appraisals, and development strategies
• Providing expert advice on planning policy and development potential
• Managing relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and local authorities
• Overseeing junior team members and contributing to their development
• Supporting business development and winning new work through proposals and pitches

About You

Requirements:

• MRTPI-qualified with significant experience in planning consultancy or local authority
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, particularly in the South East
• Proven track record in managing major planning applications and client relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, collaborative mindset
• Ability to mentor, inspire and lead junior colleagues

What They Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• A culture that values inclusion, wellbeing, and continuous learning
• Opportunities to work on nationally significant projects
• Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package
• Clear pathways for career progression within a global network

Interested?

Contact Sofia Conte at or call .

This is a permanent role. Penguin Recruitment is operating as a Recruitment Agency in respect to this position.