Job Title: Associate Town Planner Location: Maidstone, Kent Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing and highly regarded planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Town Planner to join their expanding team. This is an excellent opportunity for an MRTPI-qualified planner with 5+ years' experience who is ready to take greater ownership of projects and play a key role within a multidisciplinary consultancy. You'll be responsible for leading medium-sized projects from inception through to completion, while working alongside Directors on larger and more complex schemes. The Role As an Associate Town Planner, your responsibilities will include: * Leading medium-sized planning projects from inception through to completion * Managing project programmes, client expectations and key project deliverables * Supporting Directors on large-scale and complex planning projects * Attending client meetings and providing professional planning advice * Liaising with Local Planning Authorities, statutory consultees and external consultants * Working closely with the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver successful projects * Preparing and reviewing planning applications, reports, appeals and supporting documentation * Providing clear and commercially focused planning advice to clients * Building and maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships * Contributing to the continued growth and development of the planning team * Supporting the delivery of high-quality planning solutions across a diverse project portfolio The Candidate We're looking for an experienced and confident planning professional who is ready to take the next step in their career at Associate level. You'll ideally have: * 5+ years' experience within the planning industry * MRTPI qualification * Strong all-round knowledge of the UK planning system * A good understanding of Local Government and the planning process * Experience managing planning projects from inception through to completion * Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Strong organisational and project management abilities * The confidence to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider team * A full UK driving licence The Package * Competitive salary * Bonus scheme * 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays * Pension * Professional membership * Gym membership * On-site breakfast and refreshments * Aviva health and wellbeing package * Cycle to work scheme * Tech scheme * Life assurance Why This Opportunity? This is a strong opportunity for an MRTPI-qualified planner who is ready to move into an Associate-level position and take greater ownership of projects. You'll have the opportunity to lead your own medium-sized schemes, work closely with Directors on complex projects and develop your profile within a growing multidisciplinary consultancy