Associate/Associate Director of Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected consultancy is seeking an Associate/Associate Director of Town Planning in Bristol. The role involves leading the planning team, strengthening client relationships, and overseeing project delivery. Ideal candidates should have strong experience in the Bristol planning market, with a degree and MRTPI membership. Excellent communication skills and a proven track record in consultancy are essential. This is a senior opportunity to drive growth in a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Strong experience working within the Bristol and South West planning market.
• Proven consultancy experience including client management.
• Demonstrable track record in leading teams and managing bids.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Bristol planning team.
• Build and strengthen client relationships.
• Oversee bidding activity and project delivery.

Skills

Client management

Strategic planning advice

Business development

Team leadership

Excellent communication

Education

Degree qualified with full MRTPI membership

Job description

Job Title: Associate/Associate Director of Town Planning

Location: Bristol

About the Opportunity

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a highly respected multidisciplinary global consultancy in their search for an Associate / Associate Director of Town Planning to join their established Bristol team. This is an exciting senior opportunity to help shape, lead, and grow a high-performing planning function within one of the world's most trusted built-environment organisations.

This role offers the chance to work on some of the most stimulating and complex planning projects across the South West, collaborating closely with both regional and national planning leaders. You will use your leadership, strategic insight and technical expertise to drive team performance, strengthen client relationships and contribute to long-term growth.

Candidates from backgrounds in development management, infrastructure consenting, planning policy, or strategic planning are encouraged to apply. A strong understanding of the planning landscape in Bristol and the wider South West is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Bristol planning team, providing strategic direction, mentorship and day-to-day leadership.
• Build and strengthen client relationships, identifying new opportunities and driving business development across Bristol and the South West.
• Act as a senior figurehead for planning in the region, supporting the growth of a strong market presence for the consultancy.
• Oversee bidding activity, project delivery and QA processes to ensure the highest standards of commercial, technical and financial performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the business to maximise opportunities and ensure integrated, high-quality delivery.
• Support the development of skills and capabilities across the wider national planning team, helping to grow capacity and expertise.
• Represent the consultancy at events, stakeholder meetings and industry forums.

About You - Requirements

• Strong experience working within the Bristol and South West planning market, ideally in development management, infrastructure consenting or planning policy.
• Degree-qualified with full MRTPI membership.
• Proven consultancy experience, including client management, strategic planning advice and business development.
• Demonstrable track record in leading teams, managing bids, delivering projects and working with sub-consultants.
• Strong commercial understanding including programme management, financial control and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.

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).