Associate Town Planner / Associate Director in Bristol)

Associate Town Planner / Associate Director in Bristol)

Full-Time 47250 - 57750 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Penguin Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning projects and shape the future of urban development.
  • Company: Top-tier UK planning consultancy with a strong national presence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and flexible hybrid working.
  • Other info: Outstanding career progression opportunities and exposure to high-quality projects.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence regional business strategy.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, MRTPI qualified, and strong local experience.

The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.

Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working Available)

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Planner or Associate Director to join their growing team in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a leadership role within a dynamic and ambitious consultancy, contributing to continued growth across the South West and Thames Valley.

The Opportunity

You'll be joining a well-established, multi-disciplinary consultancy with a strong reputation in the market, working on a diverse portfolio of strategic planning projects, with a focus on planning applications and land promotion for residential development. This role is suited to someone with strong regional experience who is keen to develop client relationships, grow their own workload, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise on the development potential of land and buildings
  • Lead and support the preparation of planning applications and appeals
  • Provide policy advice and research to inform planning strategies
  • Draft representations for Local Plan consultations and examinations
  • Identify and assess land opportunities
  • Manage projects from early strategy through to securing planning permission
  • Represent clients at planning appeals and Local Plan examinations
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships
  • Support business development and growth initiatives

You’ll be involved in projects from day one, working closely with clients, colleagues, and external consultants to deliver successful outcomes. There will also be opportunities to raise your professional profile through thought leadership and industry publications.

About You

  • Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline
  • MRTPI qualified
  • Strong experience within the local/regional planning market
  • In-depth understanding of the UK planning system
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and high standards of work
  • Commercial awareness with a proactive approach to business development
  • Driven, enthusiastic, and a collaborative team player

Whether you’re an established Associate Planner ready to step into a more senior leadership role, or an experienced Associate Director looking for a new challenge, this position offers outstanding career progression opportunities.

What’s on Offer

  • Competitive salary with an attractive benefits package
  • Private medical insurance and paid professional subscriptions
  • A culture built on trust, autonomy, and empowerment
  • The opportunity to influence regional business strategy
  • Exposure to a wide variety of high-quality projects
  • Flexible, hybrid working arrangements tailored to you

About the Business

Our client is a rapidly growing, top-tier UK planning consultancy with a strong national presence and a multidisciplinary offering including socio-economic, heritage, masterplanning, and architectural services.

Associate Town Planner / Associate Director in Bristol) employer: Penguin Recruitment

Penguin Recruitment is an excellent employer for Geotechnical Engineers in Cardiff, offering a supportive environment that prioritises career growth and chartership opportunities. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and flexible perks, employees can thrive while working on technically challenging projects that make a real impact.

Penguin Recruitment

Contact Details:

Penguin Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Town Planner / Associate Director in Bristol)

Get Your Portfolio Game On Point

As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!

Slide into Networking Events

Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Penguin Recruitment who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!

Learn the Software Inside Out

Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.

Refine Your Interview Skills

Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Town Planner / Associate Director in Bristol)

Town Planning
MRTPI Qualification
Planning Applications
Land Promotion
Client Relationship Management
Project Management
Policy Advice

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!

Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Penguin Recruitment!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Penguin Recruitment. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!

Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment

Master the Technical Questions

In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.

Bring Your Portfolio to Life

Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.

Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability

In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.

Engage with Your Interviewers

Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Penguin Recruitment.