Principal Planning Consultant

Job Description:

A leading land and property consultancy with multiple offices across the Midlands is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead to support the continued growth of its Kettering office. The business delivers a comprehensive range of services including planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation and development consultancy, helping clients maximise the potential of their land and property assets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a multi‑disciplinary development team made up of planners, architects, surveyors, engineers and heritage specialists. The organisation is large enough to offer a diverse workload and strong career progression, yet small enough to provide autonomy, visibility and genuine influence over the direction of the service.

A strategic requirement has emerged to expand the planning and development offer within Northamptonshire. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in growing teams, developing new business, building brand presence and establishing strong networks across the planning, architecture and building surveying sectors.

Key Operational Responsibilities

• Act as the internal lead for the planning and development service within the Kettering office, providing expert technical guidance.

• Deliver high‑quality planning consultancy across a range of sectors, including both general and strategic planning advice.

• Lead and support the preparation and coordination of planning applications, post‑planning negotiations and appeal work.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, including technical design, procurement and construction‑phase services.

• Manage projects effectively, coordinating internal and external teams, identifying risks and ensuring programmes are met.

• Mentor and support junior colleagues, helping to develop their planning knowledge and wider understanding of the development process.

• Contribute to improved efficiency, productivity and profitability through strong commercial awareness.

Key Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of the business model and how the various service lines integrate to create a unique client offering.

• Identify opportunities to cross‑sell complementary services such as land promotion, agency and valuation.

• Drive business development activity to grow the planning and development presence across Northamptonshire.

• Build and maintain strong networks with developers, landowners, promoters and agents to increase new instructions.

• Leverage existing relationships to enhance the quality and volume of work secured by the Kettering office.

• Assess the current planning offer, identify opportunities for diversification and implement strategies to strengthen market position.

Person Specification

• MRTPI‑qualified with significant experience in planning consultancy or development.

• Strong leadership, people management and team‑building skills.

• Ability to set technical direction and shape strategic growth.

• Confident decision‑maker with excellent problem‑solving abilities.

• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working under pressure.

• Passionate about innovation, continuous improvement and high‑quality service delivery.

• Full UK driving licence essential due to regular travel to sites and client meetings.

Benefits

• Salary in the region of £50,000-£65,000 dependent on experience

• Friendly, supportive team environment with clear opportunities for progression.

• Professional memberships paid, plus funded CPD and training.

• Private healthcare via BUPA.

• Employee Assistance Programme, health plan and annual flu jab.

• Agile working philosophy with a blend of office and remote working.

• 35 days annual leave including bank holidays, plus:

  • An additional day off for your birthday

  • Extra holiday for every 3 years of service

• Enhanced workplace pension scheme (NEST).

• Access to employee loan scheme and staff discounts after probation.

• Salary sacrifice options for Electric Vehicle and Cycle to Work schemes.

• Potential for discretionary bonus.

To apply to this Principal Planning Consultant role, please forward your up to date CV to Ashley Johnson at Conrad Consulting. Alternatively, contact Ashley on (phone number removed) to discuss further.