Principal Planner / Associate Director | Cardiff
Cardiff | Hybrid Working | Excellent Salary + Bonus + Benefits
We're partnering with a leading planning and development consultancy to recruit an experienced Principal Planner or Associate Director for their growing Cardiff office.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an established planning professional looking to take on a senior leadership role within a respected consultancy, working across a varied portfolio of high-profile projects throughout Wales and the UK.
The successful candidate will play a key role in project delivery, client management, business development, and the continued growth of the planning team.
The Opportunity
Joining a well-established and collaborative team, you will lead complex planning projects across sectors including residential, mixed-use, commercial, energy, regeneration, and strategic land.
You will be trusted to manage client relationships, provide strategic planning advice, and contribute to the ongoing success and expansion of the Cardiff office.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage planning applications, appeals, and development promotion projects.
- Provide strategic planning advice to a diverse client base, including developers, landowners, investors, and public sector organisations.
- Manage project teams and coordinate multidisciplinary inputs.
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships, identifying opportunities for repeat and new business.
- Support and contribute to business development initiatives, networking, and tender submissions.
- Mentor and develop junior team members, helping to build technical capability across the team.
- Represent clients at meetings, hearings, examinations, and public consultation events where required.
- Monitor planning policy and legislative changes, advising clients on potential implications.
About You
- MRTPI qualified with significant post-qualification experience.
- Strong background within a planning consultancy, developer, or local authority environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex planning projects and client relationships.
- Commercially aware with an interest in business development and team growth.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team culture.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Annual performance bonus.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Clear progression pathway to Director level.
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant and high-profile development projects.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including pension, private healthcare, and professional subscriptions.
- Supportive and entrepreneurial working environment.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Planner seeking the next step into a more strategic position, or an existing Associate Director looking to join a consultancy with ambitious growth plans and a strong project pipeline.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please submit your CV today.
[email protected]/01792 940004
