Associate Director

Principal Planner / Associate Director - Planning Consultancy

Location:

Bristol (Hybrid working)

Are you a commercially aware Principal Town Planner or Associate Director looking to take the next step in a growing planning consultancy? Do you want greater responsibility, high-quality projects, and the opportunity to help shape a successful regional team without stepping fully into a Director-level role? This opportunity offers exactly that.

We're recruiting on behalf of a progressive planning consultancy with ambitious growth plans for its Bristol office. They're seeking a Principal Town Planner or Associate Director to play a key role in project delivery, client management, and team development as the business continues to expand.

• Competitive salary and strong benefits package
• 27 days' holiday plus bank holidays, plus an extra day off for your birthday
• Private medical insurance
• Exposure to a wide and varied project portfolio, including urban regeneration and major mixed‑use, sustainable developments
• A culture built on trust, flexibility, and autonomy
• Supportive, approachable senior leadership with a genuine focus on career progression
• Hybrid working

This position sits at the heart of the planning team and offers a balance of hands‑on technical work and leadership responsibility. You'll support the growth of the Bristol office by delivering complex planning projects and helping mentor and develop junior planners.

• Managing and delivering planning applications and appeals across a range of sectors
• Supporting the identification and progression of new development opportunities
• Working closely with national house builders, land promoters, and landowners
• Providing day‑to‑day guidance and support to junior members of the team
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing to business development and the continued success of the regional team

• Degree‑qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Solid experience within a UK planning consultancy
• Proven experience leading planning applications and appeals
• Confident communicator with the ability to manage clients and collaborate effectively
• Organised, commercially aware, and committed to delivering high‑quality work
• RTPI membership (or working towards chartered status)

If you're a Principal Planner or Associate Director looking for more autonomy, better‑quality projects, and a clear route for progression within a supportive consultancy, this is an opportunity worth exploring.

Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion on

Reference - 67702