Associate Town Planner / Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Hemel Hempstead; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an Associate Planner or Associate Director to join its Bristol team on a hybrid basis. You will lead on planning applications, advise on land potential, and help shape regional strategy within a collaborative, multi-disciplinary consultancy.

The role offers leadership opportunities, client relationship growth, and involvement in high-quality projects across the South West and Thames Valley.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• MRTPI qualification.
• Strong experience within the local/regional planning market.
• In-depth understanding of the UK planning system.

Responsibilities

• Advise on the development potential of land and buildings.
• Lead and support the preparation of planning applications and appeals.
• Provide policy advice and research to inform planning strategies.
• Draft representations for Local Plan consultations and examinations.
• Identify and assess land opportunities.
• Manage projects from early strategy through to securing planning permission.
• Represent clients at planning appeals and Local Plan examinations.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Support business development and growth initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Team player

Business development mindset

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

MRTPI qualified

Job description

Job Title: Associate Planner / Associate Director
Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working Available)

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Planner or Associate Director to join their growing team in Bristol.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a leadership role within a dynamic and ambitious consultancy, contributing to continued growth across the South West and Thames Valley.

The Opportunity

You’ll be joining a well-established, multi-disciplinary consultancy with a strong reputation in the market, working on a diverse portfolio of strategic planning projects, with a focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development.

This role is suited to someone with strong regional experience who is keen to develop client relationships, grow their own workload, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise on the development potential of land and buildings
• Lead and support the preparation of planning applications and appeals
• Provide policy advice and research to inform planning strategies
• Draft representations for Local Plan consultations and examinations
• Identify and assess land opportunities
• Manage projects from early strategy through to securing planning permission
• Represent clients at planning appeals and Local Plan examinations
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Support business development and growth initiatives

You’ll be involved in projects from day one, working closely with clients, colleagues, and external consultants to deliver successful outcomes. There will also be opportunities to raise your professional profile through thought leadership and industry publications.

About You

• Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline
• MRTPI qualified
• Strong experience within the local/regional planning market
• In-depth understanding of the UK planning system
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and high standards of work
• Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to business development
• Driven, enthusiastic, and a collaborative team player

Whether you’re an established Associate Planner ready to step into a more senior leadership role, or an experienced Associate Director looking for a new challenge, this position offers outstanding career progression opportunities.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary with an attractive benefits package
• Private medical insurance and paid professional subscriptions
• A culture built on trust, autonomy, and empowerment
• The opportunity to influence regional business strategy
• Exposure to a wide variety of high-quality projects
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements tailored to you

About the Business

Our client is a rapidly growing, top-tier UK planning consultancy with a strong national presence and a multidisciplinary offering including socio-economic, heritage, masterplanning, and architectural services.