Associate/Associate Director of Town Planning in Bristol)

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in the UK seeks an Associate/Associate Director of Town Planning to lead their Bristol team. The role involves driving team performance, managing client relationships, and working on complex planning projects across the South West. Candidates with experience in development management and a strong understanding of the local planning landscape are encouraged to apply. This position offers a chance to significantly contribute to the growth of the consultancy.

Qualifications

• Strong experience working in the Bristol and South West planning market.
• Proven consultancy experience in strategic planning advice.
• 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

Team leadership

Client management

Strategic planning

Business development

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree qualified and 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.

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?