Associate Planning Consultant

Penguin Recruitment; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking an Associate Town Planner to lead planning delivery across sectors and manage multidisciplinary teams. The role involves client relationship building, bid submissions, and contributing to business development within a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment.

The ideal candidate holds a planning degree, RTPI membership (or eligible), and has experience in EIA and planning policy. Flexible/hybrid working options are available to support career progression.

Qualifications

• Must hold a planning degree and be RTPI member or eligible.
• Experience in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), strategic planning and planning policy frameworks (TCPA, DCO, or TWAO).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning across sectors including transport, energy, water and major developments.
• Manage multi-disciplinary teams to deliver projects from inception to completion.
• Support business development: bids, tenders and framework responses.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues across environmental, engineering and design disciplines in the UK and internationally.

Skills

EIA

Strategic Planning

Policy Development

Client Relationships

Education

Planning degree

RTPI membership (or eligible)

Job description

Job Title: Associate Town Planner

Location: Bristol

Overview

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading global multi-disciplinary consultancy in the search for an experienced Associate Town Planner to join their London and South East team. This organisation is recognised for delivering innovative and sustainable solutions across major infrastructure and development projects, with a strong focus on shaping a better future for communities and the environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated Associate Town Planner to play a key role in high-profile projects while working in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. The successful candidate will join a team at the forefront of sustainable planning, contributing to initiatives around Net Zero, ESG, and biodiversity.

Your Role

As an Associate Town Planner, you will act as Planning Lead across a diverse range of sectors including transport, energy, water, and large-scale development. You will take ownership of project delivery, managing multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring successful outcomes from inception through to completion.

The Associate Town Planner will also support business development activities, including bid preparation, tender submissions, and framework responses. You will build and maintain strong client relationships, working closely with internal specialists and external stakeholders to deliver integrated planning solutions.

Operating within a dynamic and collaborative environment, the Associate Town Planner will engage with colleagues across environmental, engineering, and design disciplines, both in the UK and internationally.

About You

The ideal Associate Town Planner will hold a relevant Planning degree and be working towards or already hold RTPI membership. You will have experience in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), strategic planning, and planning policy, alongside a solid understanding of planning frameworks such as TCPA, DCO, or TWAO.

You will be an organised and adaptable Associate Town Planner, capable of managing multiple projects under pressure while meeting tight deadlines. Strong communication skills are essential, with the ability to clearly articulate complex planning matters to a range of audiences.

Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams is important, as is the confidence to contribute independently across a variety of planning projects. A track record of developing client relationships and supporting business growth will also be highly beneficial for the Associate Town Planner role.

Reward & Benefits

This Associate Town Planner position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career progression, and work-life balance. Flexible and hybrid working options are available, alongside generous annual leave and ongoing professional development opportunities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Associate Town Planner to take the next step in their career and contribute to impactful projects within a highly respected consultancy.