Principal Planner – Infrastructure & Utilities
Bristol
Highly Competitive Salary + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planner or Senior Planner to join a fast‑growing consultancy operating at the forefront of the UK’s utilities and infrastructure sector, supporting projects that are critical to the country’s transition to Net Zero.
With the UK accelerating investment into energy networks, utilities, infrastructure and environmental delivery, demand for specialist planning expertise in this sector has never been stronger. This consultancy has built a strong reputation for helping unlock complex consents for nationally significant projects — and their Environmental & Planning team continues to grow as a result.
This role offers the opportunity to work on major infrastructure and utilities projects, providing strategic planning advice and helping secure planning consents across a diverse portfolio of schemes.
The Opportunity
As Principal Planner, you will play a key role in delivering planning and environmental services across a wide range of infrastructure‑led developments — from capital utility schemes through to property portfolio projects and development appraisals.
Working within a collaborative multi‑disciplinary team of land, environmental and geospatial specialists, you’ll be involved in complex projects where planning expertise is critical to unlocking delivery.
This role also offers the opportunity to lead and mentor a small team, contributing to the continued growth of the Environmental and Planning function within the wider business.
Key Responsibilities
* Leading or managing a small team delivering environmental planning services
* Preparing feasibility studies, screening and scoping reports, and planning applications
* Managing projects across utilities and infrastructure sectors
* Providing planning and environmental advice across projects with varying levels of environmental sensitivity
* Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, technical specialists and Local Authority officers
* Taking ownership of project delivery, ensuring deadlines and client objectives are met
* Supporting wider business development and identifying opportunities for new work
* Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team
About You
* MRTPI qualified with a relevant planning degree
* Experience delivering planning services within consultancy or infrastructure‑related sectors
* Strong written communication and analytical skills
* Commercial awareness and ability to understand client needs
* Experience contributing to fee proposals and project bids desirable
* Good understanding of environmental planning processes and related disciplines
* Knowledge of GIS systems advantageous
* Full UK driving licence
Why This Role?
The UK infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented levels of investment, driven by the transition to renewable energy, upgrades to utilities networks and wider infrastructure delivery.
Planning professionals working in this space have the opportunity to be involved in projects that are not only technically interesting, but nationally significant.
For planners looking to step into a role offering greater project responsibility, leadership opportunities and exposure to major infrastructure schemes, this is an outstanding next career move.
Benefits
* Annual Bonus Scheme
* 25 Days Annual Leave + Birthday Leave
* Private Healthcare & Vitality Health Membership
* Subsidised Gym Membership
* Flexible Working Supporting Work/Life Balance
* Pension Scheme
* Life Insurance (4x Salary)
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave
* Professional Development & Paid Study Leave
* Sabbatical Policy
* Employee Assistance Programme & Wellbeing Support
* Regular Social Events & Company‑Wide Gatherings
Confidential Enquiries
All applications and discussions will be handled in strict confidence.
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