Principal Planner - Norfolk

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planner to lead and shape planning strategies across a diverse range of infrastructure and utility-based projects. You'll manage a variety of developments-from feasibility to application-across sectors such as energy, water, and transport. This role blends technical planning expertise with team leadership and strategic client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or manage a small team delivering planning services across sensitive and complex sites
• Oversee screening, scoping, and coordination of planning applications and technical reports
• Act as a key client contact and stakeholder liaison, including local authorities and technical experts
• Provide strategic input on feasibility studies and cross-discipline planning solutions
• Mentor junior planners, manage performance, and promote team development
• Support business development by identifying new opportunities and supporting bids
• Ensure all work complies with planning legislation, policy, and organisational standards
• Participate in internal initiatives, social events, and wider business engagement

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Planning or related subject
• Chartered RTPI membership
• Strong communication and report-writing skills
• Proven experience preparing and reviewing fee proposals and planning applications
• Commercially aware, confident in stakeholder engagement and negotiations
• Knowledge of GIS and understanding of environmental disciplines is a plus
• Self-motivated, organised, and able to work both independently and within a team
• Full UK driving licence

Salary & Benefits

• £50,000 - £65,000 depending on experience + annual performance bonus
• 25 days holiday + 1 additional day for your birthday
• Vitality Health Membership: private healthcare, gym discounts, wellness support
• Flexible working policy to support your work/life balance
• Pension scheme and life insurance (4x salary)
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work scheme and free parking at non-city offices
• Company-wide events and regular social gatherings

Why Apply?

• Take the lead on nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Help shape a growing planning team in a collaborative, supportive environment
• Gain visibility and influence across multi-disciplinary projects
• Enjoy strong career development, flexible working, and a culture that values people first

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com