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. kirsty@zodiacrecruitment.co.uk /01792 940004