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- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting development projects while mentoring a team of planners.
- Company: Join a top UK consultancy known for its dynamic culture and prestigious projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous bonuses, and 22 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Shape major projects and build client relationships in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with significant planning experience, especially in residential and mixed-use sectors.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing professional development and progression.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Associate Director – Town Planning
Locations: Abingdon, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)
Level: Associate / Associate Director
Sector: Town Planning / Infrastructure Planning
Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Part-Time options)
An established multi-disciplinary consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join its growing national Development & Infrastructure Planning team. With opportunities available across multiple UK offices, this is a pivotal role suited for a commercially minded planner with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high-quality planning solutions across a diverse range of projects.
What\’s on Offer:
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
* Hybrid working as standard, with flexible arrangements available.
* Access to industry-recognised professional training and leadership development programs.
* A flat and collaborative team structure, fostering innovation and cross-sector learning.
* Opportunity to work on high-profile, nationally significant projects with real impact.
About the Role
Working as part of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary planning team, you will lead the delivery of complex planning applications across a wide spectrum of sectors including residential, commercial, logistics, energy, major infrastructure, data centres, retail, and aviation. You\’ll contribute to business development, manage client relationships, and mentor junior planners. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence strategy and project delivery in a firm where planning is central to long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage planning projects of varying scale and complexity.
* Develop and maintain client relationships, identifying and securing new business.
* Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.
* Prepare and review planning applications, Local Plan representations, appeal statements, and EIA documents.
* Provide input into tender submissions and fee proposals.
* Support public inquiries, Local Plan examinations, and major consultations.
* Oversee project resourcing, finances, and compliance with client expectations.
About You:
* MRTPI qualified (or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
* Proven experience leading on large-scale planning projects, including infrastructure and energy developments.
* Strong understanding of UK planning policy and legal frameworks.
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
* Commercial acumen with a strong client focus.
How to Apply:
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Associate Director Town Planning in Bristol) employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Town Planning in Bristol)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local planning landscape in Bristol and the Southwest region. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in this area will help you engage more effectively with clients and stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in managing planning projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led teams and delivered high-quality outcomes, as this role emphasizes mentorship and team management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication and negotiation skills by preparing for potential role-play scenarios or case studies during the interview process. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and engage with clients effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience in residential and mixed-use projects. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Town Planning in Bristol)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Associate Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in town planning, particularly in leading projects and managing teams. Emphasize your MRTPI qualification and any specific achievements in residential and mixed-use sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for town planning and your leadership capabilities. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Associate Director role.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong communication and negotiation skills are crucial for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully engaged with clients and stakeholders in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead and mentor a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed projects and teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Local Planning Legislation
Familiarize yourself with UK planning legislation, especially as it pertains to the Bristol area. Be ready to discuss how this knowledge can benefit the consultancy and its clients.
✨Prepare for Client-Facing Scenarios
Since the role involves significant client interaction, think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills during the interview.
✨Discuss Your Strategic Vision
The role requires contributing to the strategic direction of the office. Be prepared to share your vision for the future of planning in Bristol and how you can help shape the consultancy's approach to major projects.
