Associate Planning Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an ambitious Associate Director to join their dynamic Bristol office. This role offers the chance to lead and manage a diverse portfolio of development projects while providing strategic planning advice to both private and public sector clients. You will oversee a team of planners, ensuring high-quality work output and fostering professional development. With a focus on collaboration and excellence, this position is ideal for a client-facing leader eager to make a significant impact in the planning sector. Join a company that values flexibility and offers a supportive environment for career progression.

Benefits

Generous bonus scheme

Flexible working arrangements

22 days annual leave + bank holidays

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts with leading retailers

Salary sacrifice pension scheme

Ongoing support for professional development

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified with significant experience in planning.
• Proven track record in leading planning projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of development projects.
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients.
• Oversee and mentor a team of planners.

Skills

MRTPI qualification

Leadership in planning projects

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Knowledge of UK planning legislation

Client relationship management

Education

Degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director
Location: Bristol

My client is a UK leading consultancy known for its collaborative, dynamic culture in providing expert advice on a diverse range of prestigious projects. With a strong presence across England and Wales, their Bristol office is now looking for an experienced Associate Director to join the team!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious planner who thrives in a client-facing, leadership role. As an Associate Director, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering major projects, working closely with both private and public sector clients.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage a portfolio of development projects, ensuring they are delivered on time and to a high standard.
2. Provide strategic planning advice to clients on complex planning applications, site promotion, and development opportunities.
3. Oversee and mentor a team of planners, supporting their professional development and ensuring high-quality work output.
4. Manage client relationships, delivering advice, reporting, and presentations to a variety of stakeholders.
5. Contribute to the management and strategic direction of the Bristol office.
6. Represent the company at external meetings, including with local authorities, planning committees, and other stakeholders.

Experience & Skills:

1. MRTPI qualified with significant experience in planning, ideally at Senior/Associate level.
2. A proven track record of leading and managing planning projects, particularly in the residential and mixed-use sectors.
3. Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and engage with clients and stakeholders.
4. Commercially aware, with a strong ability to develop client relationships and generate new business.
5. A strong knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy, particularly within the Bristol area and the wider Southwest region.

What’s on offer:

1. Competitive salary (negotiable depending on experience).
2. Generous bonus scheme.
3. Flexible working arrangements.
4. 22 days annual leave + bank holidays.
5. Employee assistance programme.
6. Staff discounts with leading retailers.
7. Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
8. Ongoing support for professional development and qualification progression.

Interested? For applications and more information regarding this opportunity, please send your up-to-date CV to Megan Field at [e-mail] or call 01792 365 005.