Principal Planner

Dalcour Maclaren; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme

25 days annual leave plus 1 day for birthday

Vitality Health Membership

Flexible working arrangements

Pension Scheme

Life insurance

Free onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

26 weeks paid maternity leave

4 weeks paid paternity leave

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Job summary

Dalcour Maclaren is seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Planner to join our dynamic environmental and planning team in Bristol. This role involves leading a small team to deliver environmental planning services while ensuring compliance with all requirements and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

The successful candidate will possess a relevant planning degree, MRTPI membership, and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills. Attractive benefits include an annual bonus, health membership, and flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant planning degree and be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
• Exhibit strong analytical, presentation and communication skills.
• Be commercially aware, negotiating effectively with stakeholders.
• Show excellent communication, a willingness to learn and develop, and a can-do attitude.
• Have knowledge of GIS systems and environmental technical disciplines.
• Be self-motivated, organised, and hold a full UK driving licence.
• Be a team player with a proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead or manage a small team to deliver environmental planning services.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders including client teams.
• Meet deadlines and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide support to other projects and cross-sell services.
• Monitor, support, and coordinate junior staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

GIS knowledge

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Relevant planning degree

Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)

Job description

At Dalcour Maclaren, we are key players in the utilities and infrastructure industry, unlocking the consents needed by our clients to deliver critical projects. Our environmental and planning team is looking for an experienced Principal or Senior Planner for a fast‑growing part of our business.

As a Principal Planner you will:

• Lead or manage a small team to deliver a range of environmental planning services with a focus on technical planning specialisations for projects with varying levels of environmental sensitivities.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including client teams, technical specialists, and local authority planning officers.
• Take ownership of team performance, meet deadlines, and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide support to other projects, contribute to business development, and cross‑sell company services.
• Maintain professional development through CPD, pursue RTPI membership, and schedule progress reviews.
• Monitor, support, and coordinate junior staff, provide line management and constructive feedback.
• Participate in company groups, initiatives and socials, and promote Dalcour Maclaren values.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, contractual and organisational requirements.

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a relevant planning degree and be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
• Exhibit strong analytical, presentation and communication skills and be able to write fee proposals.
• Be commercially aware, negotiating effectively with stakeholders.
• Show excellent communication, a willingness to learn and develop, and a can‑do attitude.
• Have knowledge of GIS systems and environmental technical disciplines.
• Be self‑motivated, organised, and hold a full UK driving licence.
• Be a team player and have a proactive mindset.

Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus 1 day to celebrate your birthday
• Vitality Health Membership (including private healthcare, subsidised gym membership and other discounts)
• Flexible working through our “Flexible Advantage” supporting work/life balance
• Pension Scheme via The Peoples Pension
• Life insurance (4× base salary)
• Free onsite parking in non‑city centre offices
• Cycle to work scheme
• 26 weeks paid maternity leave
• 4 weeks paid paternity leave
• BHN Extras – discounted gift cards for popular retailers
• Electric Vehicle salary‑sacrifice scheme (effective at 1 year’s service)
• Sabbatical policy (effective at 3 years’ service)
• Professional development – paid study leave
• Military service paid leave (7.5 days per year)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) plus wider mental health & wellbeing support
• Two company‑wide events per year and multiple office socials throughout the year

Dalcour Maclaren is an equal opportunities employer.