Senior / Principal Planner – Bristol
Our client is an established and highly respected planning and design consultancy seeking a Senior / Principal Planner to join its growing Bristol team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a key role within a collaborative and commercially focused environment, working across a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the South West and wider UK.
The successful candidate will play a leading role in delivering planning advice across residential, commercial, mixed-use, rural and strategic land projects, while supporting client growth and mentoring junior team members.
The Role
Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing a broad range of planning projects from inception through to determination.
- Preparing and submitting planning applications, appeals and site appraisals.
- Providing strategic and commercially focused planning advice to clients and stakeholders.
- Managing relationships with clients, local authorities and consultants.
- Leading negotiations throughout the planning process.
- Supporting site promotion and Local Plan representation work.
- Preparing high-quality planning statements and supporting reports.
- Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team.
- Contributing to business development and networking activities.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess:
- MRTPI qualification (or close to achieving chartership for Senior Planner level).
- Strong experience within a consultancy, developer, local authority or multidisciplinary environment.
- Excellent knowledge of the UK planning system and planning policy.
- A proven ability to manage projects and maintain strong client relationships.
- Strong communication and report-writing skills.
- Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem solving.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- Experience across residential and strategic land projects.
- Existing professional network within the South West market.
- Experience attending planning committees, hearings or inquiries.
- Exposure to business development and fee generation activities.
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and bonus structure.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Clear career progression opportunities.
- Ongoing professional development support.
- Collaborative team culture within a respected national consultancy.