Associate Director of Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary consultancy in Bristol is seeking an Associate Director - Town Planning to lead and grow their planning team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in development management, excellent leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the planning landscape in the South West. This role involves managing diverse projects, mentoring juniors, and fostering client relationships, with a competitive salary and career development opportunities on offer.

Benefits

Competitive salary and profit share

Private medical and life insurance

Income protection and accident cover

Flexible benefits supporting health and wellbeing

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified and MRTPI accredited.
• Strong background in development management or planning policy.
• Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in the South West region.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Bristol Town Planning team.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of projects.
• Build client relationships across sectors.
• Drive business development and bidding activity.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

Development management

Infrastructure consenting

Planning policy

Leadership

Communication

Client relationship management

Education

Degree in relevant field

MRTPI accreditation

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director - Town Planning

Location: Bristol

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in the appointment of an Associate or Associate Director of Town Planning to join their established and award-winning team in Bristol.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planner to take a leading role in developing and growing the Bristol planning team, while contributing to some of the region's most high-profile and complex projects. You'll collaborate with colleagues nationally and regionally to shape the future of planning and deliver sustainable, high-quality outcomes across the South West.

The Opportunity

You'll be part of a forward-thinking consultancy known for its purpose-driven approach and innovative solutions. As an Associate or Associate Director, you'll:

• Lead and develop the Bristol Town Planning team
• Manage and deliver a diverse portfolio of projects
• Build and strengthen client relationships across public and private sectors
• Drive business development and bidding activity
• Mentor and inspire junior team members
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams across the UK

About You

We're seeking a strategic and motivated planning professional with strong technical knowledge and leadership experience. You'll bring a thorough understanding of the planning landscape in Bristol and the South West, alongside commercial awareness and a collaborative approach.

Requirements

• Degree-qualified and MRTPI accredited
• Strong background in development management, infrastructure consenting, or planning policy
• Proven ability to manage projects, bids, and client relationships
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills
• Experience working in or around the South West region

What's on Offer

• A competitive salary and profit share
• Private medical and life insurance
• Income protection and accident cover
• Flexible benefits supporting health and wellbeing
• Career development opportunities through continuous learning and mentoring