Associate Director of Town Planning in Bristol)

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

Job summary

A leading multidisciplinary consultancy in Bristol is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Town Planning to lead their planning team. This role offers a unique opportunity for a strategic planner with strong technical knowledge. The successful candidate will drive business development, manage diverse projects, and mentor junior staff. Alongside a competitive salary, benefits include private medical insurance and career development opportunities. If you're eager to shape sustainable planning outcomes, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private medical and life insurance

Income protection and accident cover

Flexible health and wellbeing benefits

Continuous career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage projects, bids, and client relationships.
• Strong background in development management, infrastructure consenting, or planning policy.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Influencing

Education

Degree qualified and MRTPI accredited

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

• 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

If you're passionate about leading planning excellence and shaping a more sustainable future for Bristol and the South West, we'd love to hear from you.