Principal Planner

Apex Companies; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental

Life and disability insurance

401k match

Tuition assistance

Cross-training and diverse projects

Performance-based bonuses

National firm with 70+ locations

Job summary

Apex Companies is seeking a Principal Planner in Naples, FL to lead planning projects for land development, zoning, and comprehensive plans. You will manage client relationships, mentor staff, and ensure timely, quality delivery across multiple projects.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of relevant experience, a strong background in Florida planning statutes, and proven leadership in cross-disciplinary teams. This role offers bonus potential and significant project impact within a national firm.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in planning, land development, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, or Business Administration or equivalent.
• Experience leading teams and managing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Confer with clients, engineers, and architects on policy objectives and land development programs.
• Research data on site conditions, zoning, and development standards for feasibility studies and plans.
• Prepare plans for land development, including vegetation, structures, roads, utilities, and landscaping.
• Prepare Comprehensive Plans and Plan amendments in accordance with Florida Statutes.
• Make presentations to municipal officials on planning and development projects.
• Assist with review of site plans, zoning applications, and comp plan amendments.
• Prepare proposals, execute projects, manage budgets and schedules, and analyze variances.
• Maintain regular contact with clients and vendors, discuss project status, and identify new opportunities.
• Conduct project kick-off meetings and ensure understanding of execution plans and schedules.
• Identify potential clients and opportunities, and track industry news.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Client communication

Budget management

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Job description

Are you driven to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact? At Apex, we’re building more than a consulting and engineering firm—we’re creating a place where your career accelerates, your contributions matter, and your potential is fully realized. We believe your growth is our growth, which is why we invest in your development at every stage of your career. Here, you’ll work on projects that shape communities, protect the environment, and create lasting impact, all while being empowered with the autonomy and flexibility to do your best work.

Fueled by high-quality delivery, exceptional client retention, and strategic acquisitions, Apex Companies continues to rank among the fastest-growing firms in the AEC industry, recently recognized by the Zweig Group for our industry-leading growth. Our success is grounded in strong leadership, a collaborative culture, and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.

As we continue to expand, we're looking for high-performing professionals who are ready to lead, collaborate, innovate, and create impact. At Apex, you help shape what's next. When we succeed together, we share in that success. All Apex positions are eligible for annual bonus opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to recognizing and rewarding meaningful contributions that drive our collective growth.

Core Functions

• Confer with clients, engineering personnel, and Architects on overall policy objectives or land development program.
• Research, compile and analyze data on site conditions, geographic location, soils, vegetation, access, land survey information, drainage, location of structures, past permitting records and current land uses, policies, zoning requirements and development standards for preparation of feasibility studies, land use plans, master concept plans, and conceptual site plans.
• Prepare plans for land development, considering standards, requirements and client objectives for existing and proposed conditions related to vegetation, locations of structures, roads, walks, parking areas, fences, walls, utilities, landscaping, and coordinate arrangement of existing and proposed land features and structures.
• Prepare Comprehensive Plans, Plan amendments, and Plan Updates in accordance with Florida Statutes.
• Make presentations to municipal officials regarding comprehensive planning, zoning, and land development projects.
• Assist with review of site plans, zoning applications, and comprehensive plan amendment applications.

Project Management

• Prepare proposals, execute projects, maintain project budget and schedule. Analyze variances (e.g., scope creep); Negotiate changes in scope/contact; Invoice and collect payment per contract terms; Initiate corrective actions; Report results to management.
• Maintain contact with clients and vendors by meeting regularly with key clients to discuss current projects, correlate all pertinent information, resolve conflict, evaluate performance, and identify other business opportunities either with current clients or through referrals.
• Conduct project kick-off meetings for organization and enrichment to assure there is understanding of project approach and what the execution plan and schedule for each project will be.
• Identify and solicit potential clients/projects, as appropriate, and maintain information on new sales, new opportunities, and account issues/news.
• Identify areas needing improvement and recommend corrective action to improve overall project performance.

Develop Staff

• Build, manage and maintain a staff including designers, technicians and associates
• Train Team members to practice responsive, client-focused communication.
• Mentor staff on industry knowledge, project knowledge, process knowledge and best practices.

Maintain Professional And Technical Knowledge

• Attend educational workshops.
• Review professional and market segment publications.
• Establish personal networks.
• Participate in applicable professional societies and trade associations.

Education/Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in related field
• Bachelors Degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration or equivalent

Why You'll Love Working For Us

• Company-subsidized medical and dental.
• Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability.
• 401k match, tuition assistance, and more.
• Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects.
• Performance-based bonuses or other incentives.
• Working with the best and brightest in the industry.
• 2,000+ employee national firm with 70+ locations across the US.

Apex Job Title: Principal Planner

Req ID: 12131

We believe in equality for all and celebrate the diversity and differences of our employees, customers, and communities. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Apex aims to make apexcos.com accessible to all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact [e-mail] or [phone]. Likewise, feel free to reach out to us if you would like to view or discuss Apex policy related to equal employment opportunity or have any related concerns. EO/AA/VEV/Disabled Employer