Associate/Associate Director – Town Planning

Overview

As Associate/Associate Director in Arup’s Bristol Town Planning team, you will lead and grow the local planning capability, building client relationships and a strong pipeline of opportunities. You’ll guide project delivery across policy, development management and major infrastructure, working with cross‑disciplinary teams to maximise outcomes and profitability. You’ll influence the market in Bristol and the South West, promoting Arup’s planning capabilities and elevating the team’s profile. This role combines leadership, client engagement and strategic direction to deliver complex projects in a collaborative, values‑driven environment.

Pay / Benefits

• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Accident insurance
• Income protection
• Profit share
• Flexible benefits

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Bristol planning team and contribute to national planning capability.
• Develop client relationships and identify bid opportunities to grow the pipeline and Arup’s profile.
• Drive market growth in Bristol and the Southwest by engaging with clients and sector leads.
• Provide strategic direction on projects and ensure QA, profitability and delivery excellence.
• Interface with multi‑disciplinary project teams to maximise opportunities and integrated delivery.
• Support national team capability development and skills growth within planning.
• Oversee bids, project delivery, and management of sub‑consultants as required.

Key requirements

• Degree level education
• MRTPI membership
• Proven consultancy experience with clients to capture requirements and drive business development
• Experience leading teams in bidding and delivering projects and managing sub‑consultants
• Experience in a commercial environment (bids and projects), including client liaison, programme/time management, QA and budgeting
• Experience in development management, infrastructure consenting or policy development
• Strong understanding of the Bristol/Southwest market and planning context

• Influencing and interpersonal skills
• Strong communication and motivation abilities
• Leadership and team development mindset
• Policy development
• Development management
• Major infrastructure planning

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