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- Tasks: Lead major development projects and shape the future of regional planning.
- Company: A respected consultancy in Bristol with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Influence significant regeneration outcomes and enjoy high autonomy in your role.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with experience at Associate Director or Director level.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Planning Director to play a leading role within a highly regarded and growing consultancy in Bristol, shaping both major development projects and the future direction of the regional planning team. We are seeking a senior, commercially astute planner with a strong market profile, capable of leading complex planning strategies, growing client relationships, and driving the continued expansion of a successful South West planning business.
The Role
As Planning Director, you will take a strategic leadership role, combining hands‑on involvement in high‑profile projects with responsibility for team leadership, business development and regional growth. You will work on some of the most significant and transformative schemes in Bristol and the wider South West, including:
- Major city‑centre and brownfield regeneration projects
- Large‑scale mixed‑use, residential and commercial developments
- Science, technology, R&D and innovation‑led schemes
- Strategic land and long‑term promotion projects
You will collaborate closely with colleagues across development, agency, capital markets, rural and building consultancy teams, providing clients with integrated, commercially focused advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing strategic planning advice to key clients and stakeholders
- Leading and overseeing complex planning applications, appeals and development strategies
- Acting as a senior point of contact with local planning authorities, statutory consultees and elected members
- Representing clients at meetings, committees and public consultations
- Driving business development, securing new instructions and growing existing client relationships
- Playing a central role in shaping the growth and direction of the Bristol planning team
- Mentoring, managing and developing senior and junior planners
- Contributing to wider office and departmental leadership initiatives
- Managing commercial performance, project budgets and risk
About You
- MRTPI qualified with significant post‑qualification experience
- Proven track record at Associate Director / Director level within consultancy or a comparable senior public‑sector role
- Strong commercial awareness and client‑facing experience
- Demonstrable success in winning work and growing client accounts
- Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills
- Deep understanding of the planning system and current policy environment
- Motivated by building teams, developing people and shaping places
Why This Opportunity?
- Leadership role within a growing and ambitious Bristol planning team
- Opportunity to influence major regeneration and development outcomes
- High level of autonomy, profile and responsibility
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary environment where leadership is valued
- Clear scope to shape regional growth and long‑term strategy
- Culture that rewards performance, initiative and contribution rather than tenure
- Highly competitive salary and performance‑related bonus
- Pension scheme and life assurance
- Private medical insurance and wellbeing support
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies
- Generous holiday allowance plus wellbeing days
- Professional development and leadership support
- Regular social, team and business‑wide events
Get in touch Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation. Your application will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by Dan Cole. Contact Dan on 07443 880 834 or email dan.cole@beachbaker.co.uk
Town Planning Director in Bristol employer: Beach Baker
Contact Detail:
Beach Baker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Town Planning Director in Bristol
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just talk about your experience; show it! Create a portfolio of your past projects and successes. This will help you stand out when discussing your capabilities with potential employers.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Research the company and its recent projects before your interview. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in terms of driving growth and leading teams.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing the role. It shows you're serious and gives us a clear view of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Town Planning Director in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Planning Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any successful projects you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for our ambitious team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about town planning and how your vision aligns with our goals. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial awareness and client-facing experience.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Planning Director, you'll be leading teams and driving business development. Make sure to include examples of how you've mentored others or contributed to team growth in your application. We want to see your leadership style in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beach Baker
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the major development projects you’ll be discussing. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of city-centre regeneration and large-scale mixed-use developments. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning Director, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss your mentoring style and how you’ve contributed to team growth, as this will resonate well with the consultancy's focus on developing people.
✨Understand the Local Planning Landscape
Brush up on the current planning policies and challenges specific to Bristol and the South West. Being able to discuss local issues and how they impact development will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can provide valuable insights to clients and stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Business Development Questions
Expect questions about your experience in winning work and growing client accounts. Have concrete examples ready that highlight your commercial awareness and client-facing experience. This will help you align with the consultancy’s goal of driving business development and expanding their client relationships.
