Principal Planner

Job Title: Principal Town Planner

Location: Bristol

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning consultancy in their search for a Principal Town Planner to join their Bristol team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Town Planner to join one of the UK’s leading consultancies in planning, development economics, and design. Working within a creative, dynamic, and collaborative environment, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of challenging and prestigious projects for major developers and house builders across England and Wales.

The role will be split between the Bristol and Cardiff offices, therefore candidates should be comfortable working across both locations as part of the wider regional planning team.

As part of the Bristol and Cardiff Planning team, you will contribute to and lead the delivery of significant projects involving strategic planning, development management, and planning project coordination for a range of private and public sector clients.

• Leading and managing strategic planning and development management projects
• Coordinating project delivery across a range of private and public sector schemes
• Managing client relationships and acting as a key point of contact
• Preparing and reviewing high-quality planning reports and supporting documentation
• Liaising with Local Planning Authorities and key stakeholders
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members
• Contributing to business development and networking activities
• Working collaboratively across both the Bristol and Cardiff offices

• RTPI accredited degree in Town Planning or related discipline
• MRTPI qualified
• Minimum of 6 years’ planning experience
• Strong experience within both forward planning and development management
• Excellent knowledge of planning legislation and policy
• Strong analytical, written, and communication skills
• Confidence managing projects and working directly with clients
• Experience working within the South West and Wales region desirable
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme and life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Retail and lifestyle discounts
• Cycle to work scheme and eye care vouchers
• Opportunity to work on prestigious and varied planning projects
• Supportive and collaborative consultancy environment
• Clear progression opportunities and ongoing professional development