Principal/Associate Planner - Infrastructure & Environmental in Bristol)

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in the UK's Utilities and Infrastructure sectors is seeking a Principal Planner to provide technical leadership and client engagement. This role involves managing planning projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to sustainable infrastructure initiatives. The company offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and various professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual bonus

25 days annual leave plus birthday off

Private healthcare and discounted gym membership

Generous maternity/paternity leave policies

Life insurance (4x salary) and pension scheme

Study leave and professional development support

Sabbatical after 3 years of service

Social events throughout the year

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing planning projects in infrastructure, energy, or utilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organised, collaborative, and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to deliver environmental and planning services.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and represent clients.
• Manage project timelines and contribute to business development.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Client Engagement

GIS Knowledge

Leadership

Education

MRTPI Chartered Town Planner

Job description

Principal Planner - Infrastructure & Environmental Planning

Location: Flexible (UK-wide) | Hybrid Working Available

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading consultancy operating at the forefront of the UK's Utilities and Infrastructure sectors. This multi-disciplinary firm plays a pivotal role in helping clients progress major infrastructure and energy projects that move the UK and Ireland closer to Net Zero. Their integrated teams work across land access, environmental planning, and geospatial services to secure key consents for nationally significant projects.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

* Lead a team to deliver a wide range of environmental and planning services, with a strong focus on planning assessments, applications, screening, scoping, and policy analysis.

* Manage and contribute to the preparation of complex planning applications and reports, maintaining high technical standards.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

* Build strong working relationships with internal teams, local authority planners, technical specialists, and client stakeholders.

* Represent clients at meetings and site visits, providing strategic planning advice.

Project Ownership

* Take responsibility for project timelines and delivery, working proactively to exceed client expectations.

* Provide senior-level guidance on complex planning matters and contribute to new business development through cross-selling services and identifying opportunities.

Team Development

* Support the learning and development of junior team members through mentoring, feedback, and effective delegation.

* Promote a positive team culture and demonstrate leadership in line with the company's core values.

Professional Development

* Engage in CPD activities, maintaining professional knowledge and, where applicable, progressing towards further qualifications or chartered status.

* Participate in company initiatives, social events, and wider professional networks.

Candidate Profile

* MRTPI Chartered Town Planner.

* Extensive experience managing planning projects in the infrastructure, energy, or utilities sectors.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare proposals, lead negotiations, and deliver technical reports.

* Commercially aware and confident in client-facing situations.

* Knowledge of GIS and an understanding of environmental disciplines.

* Full UK driving licence required.

* Organised, collaborative, and self-motivated with a solution-focused mindset.

What's on Offer

* Competitive salary and annual bonus

* 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off

* Private healthcare and discounted gym membership via Vitality Health

* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance

* Generous maternity/paternity leave policies

* Life insurance (4x salary) and pension scheme

* Study leave and professional development support

* Sabbatical after 3 years of service

* Company-wide and office social events throughout the year

* Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

* Cycle to Work Scheme

* Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support resources

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and values-driven organisation making a tangible impact on sustainable infrastructure in the UK.

Interested?