Planning Associate (2 years PQE)

What you’ll do

We are seeking to recruit an ambitious and confident planning Associate (with at least 4 years PQE) to join our leading planning team in Bristol.

We are currently advising on some of the largest developments in the country including large scale strategic development, nationally significant energy and infrastructure development, planning obligations, community infrastructure levy, lawful development certificates and highways. We act for promoters of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Developments of National Significance (in Wales) and Transport and Works Act Orders.

Responsible for helping with and running your own case-load, you will work with partners and solicitors in the department across the firm's offices. The planning team covers the full remit of planning matters, meaning you will also support other teams in the firm on property acquisitions and disposals, as well as advise on contentious planning matters such as enforcement, compulsory purchase, judicial reviews, statutory challenges and appeals.

You will be responsible for dealing with high quality, high value work with high levels of responsibility from the outset.

Who you are

An excellent communicator with proven technical and organisational skills, you'll be accustomed to working under pressure to meet challenging deadlines, and already have a firm grounding in planning work, ideally with some experience in residential development and energy related cases with a similar sized national or city firm. With an eye for detail, you'll be meticulous and thorough in your work, with experience in acting for a range of clients.

Our relationship with our clients is paramount. You will be able to demonstrate your ability to build strong and lasting relationships with clients, and show a genuine commitment to their business needs. Being self-motivated and ambitious, you will be keen to expand your knowledge and experience, and possess the drive to help us continue to grow and develop our business.

Clients will be looking to you to be up to date on the latest policy developments affecting the sector, and as such, you'll need to demonstrate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for your work, and its wider implications for our clients. We act for a number of leading national energy developers and we’d hope that you share our passion to play a part in combatting climate change and securing a clean energy future. In return, we will support you to grow your professional networks, and maximise business development opportunities through access to relevant events and conferences, enhancing your knowledge and credibility across the sector.

Why join Team Ashfords?

Ask our people, and they will tell you that they genuinely enjoy coming to work and spending time with their colleagues. We’re confident that once you discover our open and friendly culture, it won’t take long for you to feel the same.

We have a genuine team approach at Ashfords because we know that when talented people work together, we achieve more for our clients and each other. We also recognise that each of our career journeys is unique. So, we will be ambitious for you and give you the support you need to develop your career, your way.

Importantly, we will give you the space and flexibility for your life outside work too.

Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team and business.

That’s what sets us apart.

Our offer

We offer a range of benefits to support you at work and at home.

This includes a flexible working framework giving you the freedom to mix home and office working, extra annual leave for your birthday and the option to buy more holiday.

We have a comprehensive package to support physical and mental health including onsite yoga classes and a gym at our head office, healthcare plans, an Employee Assistance programme and free access for you and up to five friends to the ‘Calm’ Mindfulness App.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our responsible business programme, including fundraising initiatives through the Ashfords Foundation and bringing your energy to our environment or diversity groups.

What next?

Interested in this vacancy but not sure you match all the requirements? At Ashfords, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We offer training and development opportunities to all of our people to help everyone reach their full potential. Even if your skills and experience aren’t a perfect match, we’d still love to hear from you. If you’re not the right candidate for this role, you could be the right candidate for other positions at Ashfords.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Toby Tompkins, Talent Attraction Manager, on 01392 333 654 or via email: t.tompkins@ashfords.co.uk.

Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.