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Associate Town Planner / Associate Director

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Job Title: Associate Planner / Associate Director
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
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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


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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.
Interested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, contact Josh Jones on 362 010.
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