Associate Town Planner | Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in Bristol is seeking an experienced Associate Town Planner to lead various planning projects and provide strategic advice to clients. The successful candidate will possess a relevant degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a planning consultancy, supported by knowledge of the UK planning system. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects that benefit communities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Hybrid and flexible working options

Clear progression routes and professional development support

Opportunity to work across various projects

Friendly and supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a planning consultancy.
• Proven experience managing medium to large scale planning projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and management of planning applications.
• Provide high-level planning advice to clients.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Contribute to business development and fee proposals.
• Mentor junior planners.
• Represent the company at public consultations.

Skills

RTPI Chartered (or working towards full chartership)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong knowledge of the UK planning system

Proactive and commercially minded approach

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Associate Town Planner

Location: Bristol

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy in their search for an Associate Town Planner to join their established planning team in Bristol.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a key role in delivering innovative and sustainable developments across a wide range of sectors. The successful Associate Town Planner will join a company known for its forward-thinking approach, collaborative culture, and commitment to shaping better places for people and the environment.

The Role

As an Associate Town Planner, you'll take responsibility for leading a variety of planning projects, offering strategic advice to clients and coordinating multi-disciplinary inputs to secure positive planning outcomes. Working closely with senior colleagues, you'll help manage client relationships, support business development, and contribute to the continued growth of the Bristol office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, submission, and management of planning applications and appeals.
• Provide high-level planning advice to a diverse client base, including developers, landowners, and local authorities.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary project teams and ensure the timely delivery of planning strategies and consents.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities and preparing fee proposals.
• Mentor and support junior planners, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Represent the company at public consultations, stakeholder meetings, and planning committees.

About You

• RTPI Chartered (or working towards full chartership).
• A relevant degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a planning consultancy or related environment.
• Proven experience managing medium to large scale planning projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client-facing roles.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, policy, and development processes.
• A proactive and commercially minded approach to problem-solving.

Why Apply?

This position offers the chance to work on high profile projects that make a tangible difference to communities across the UK. You'll be joining an ambitious and award-winning team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

In return, you'll benefit from

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• Clear progression routes and professional development support.
• Opportunity to work across a wide range of planning and design-led projects.
• A friendly, inclusive and supportive team environment.

If you are interested in this Associate Town Planner position, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.