Position: Town Planner
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Company Overview:

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established planning consultancy based in Ipswich, Suffolk. My client handle a diverse range of planning and listed building consent applications, appeals, and objections for various clients, including business owners, charities, homeowners, and public authorities. The team comprises junior and senior planners, architectural technicians, and landscape designers.

As a Town Planner, you will manage complex planning cases from inception to completion. Your key responsibilities will include:

Policy Research and Appraisal: Analyze national and local planning policies, planning and design guidance, planning legislation, and case law.
Liaison with Architects: Provide technical and design guidance on various planning drawings.
Report Production: Create detailed planning reports and statements, including planning statements, design & access statements, grounds of appeal statements, and objection letters.
Case Management: Submit planning applications and appeals online, maintain proactive communication with clients, decision-makers, and other relevant parties.
Document Management: Maintain and update case files, monitor applications and appeals, and track jobs on the shared work management system.
Site Visits: Attend site visits to gather data and assess project progress.
Survey Management: Identify, source, commission, and review external surveys and reports as needed.
Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service, keeping clients informed, explaining technical matters, and offering professional advice throughout the process.

Qualifications, Experience & Attributes:

Ideal Candidate:

Experience: Proven experience in handling planning applications in either the private or public sector.
Skills: Excellent communication, customer service, writing, and reading comprehension skills.
Attributes: Self-motivated, able to work independently, research-minded, curious, logical, and creative problem-solver.
Knowledge: Existing understanding of planning policy, legislation, and processes.
Team Player: Ability to offer and accept constructive feedback.
Work Ethic: Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Driving License: Full driving license and access to a car for site visits.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education: Undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in planning or related fields. MRTPI certification is advantageous.
Other Qualifications: Non-planning-based qualifications that enhance writing, reading comprehension, and research skills are also considered.

What We Offer:

Flexible Hours: Part-time options and bespoke working hours requests considered.
Work Schedule: Flexible working hours, with start times between 8-10 am and finish times between 4-6 pm.
Holiday: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
Pension Scheme: Generous pension contributions.
Remote Work: Potential for working from home based on experience and ability to work independently, with initial office-based work expected.
Professional Development: Financial support for additional qualifications, certifications, and training.
Social Events: Regular social events and outings, attendance is optional.
Bonus Scheme: Performance-based bonuses.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)