Associate Director

Carrington West; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Hybrid working

Birthday day off

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking a Principal Planner / Associate Director to join their Bristol team on a hybrid basis. The role blends hands-on planning work with leadership, mentorship, and client management across a varied project portfolio including urban regeneration and mixed-use developments.

You will lead complex planning applications and appeals, drive business development, and support the growth of the regional office while mentoring junior planners.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning or related discipline is essential.
• Experience in a UK planning consultancy is expected.
• Proven track record delivering planning applications and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver planning applications and appeals across sectors.
• Develop and mobilise new development opportunities.
• Collaborate with national housebuilders, land promoters and landowners.
• Mentor junior planners and support team development.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and contribute to BD.

Skills

Town Planning

Client management

Leadership

Communication

Commercial awareness

Team mentoring

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

RTPI membership or working toward chartered

Job description

Principal Planner / Associate Director - Planning Consultancy

Location: Bristol (Hybrid working)

Are you a commercially aware Principal Town Planner or Associate Director looking to take the next step in a growing planning consultancy? Do you want greater responsibility, high-quality projects, and the opportunity to help shape a successful regional team without stepping fully into a Director-level role? This opportunity offers exactly that.

We're recruiting on behalf of a progressive planning consultancy with ambitious growth plans for its Bristol office. They're seeking a Principal Town Planner or Associate Director to play a key role in project delivery, client management, and team development as the business continues to expand.

What's on offer

• Competitive salary and strong benefits package
• 27 days' holiday plus bank holidays, plus an extra day off for your birthday
• Private medical insurance
• Exposure to a wide and varied project portfolio, including urban regeneration and major mixed-use, sustainable developments
• A culture built on trust, flexibility, and autonomy
• Supportive, approachable senior leadership with a genuine focus on career progression
• Hybrid working

The role

This position sits at the heart of the planning team and offers a balance of hands-on technical work and leadership responsibility. You'll support the growth of the Bristol office by delivering complex planning projects and helping mentor and develop junior planners.

Key responsibilities include

• Managing and delivering planning applications and appeals across a range of sectors
• Supporting the identification and progression of new development opportunities
• Working closely with national housebuilders, land promoters, and landowners
• Providing day-to-day guidance and support to junior members of the team
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development and the continued success of the regional team

About you

• Degree-qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Solid experience within a UK planning consultancy
• Proven experience leading planning applications and appeals
• Confident communicator with the ability to manage clients and collaborate effectively
• Organised, commercially aware, and committed to delivering high-quality work
• RTPI membership (or working towards chartered status)

If you're a Principal Planner or Associate Director looking for more autonomy, better-quality projects, and a clear route for progression within a supportive consultancy, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

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