Associate/Associate Director – Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate or Associate Director for Town Planning in London. The role involves managing significant infrastructure projects in the Water and Energy sectors, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams, and engaging with major clients. Candidates should possess a degree in Town Planning, excellent communication skills, and substantial experience in planning applications. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive benefits package

Support for career progression

Qualifications

• Chartered Member of the RTPI or working towards accreditation.
• Experience in major planning applications and/or DCOs.
• Understanding of TCPA, DCO, TWAO and EIA processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and management of Planning Applications and Development Consent Orders.
• Act as planning lead on major infrastructure schemes.
• Oversee multi-disciplinary project teams.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Associate / Associate Director – Town Planning
Location: London

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a talented and ambitious Associate or Associate Director-level Town Planner to join a leading UK multidisciplinary consultancy, supporting the delivery of major infrastructure projects in the Water and Energy sectors.

This is a key appointment for a high-performing national planning team at the forefront of sustainable development and infrastructure delivery. The role offers the chance to work across complex Development Consent Orders (DCOs), large-scale planning applications, and multi-disciplinary project environments shaping the UK’s critical infrastructure.

The Role:

You will play a lead role in managing and delivering major planning projects, with a particular focus on water and energy infrastructure. Working with major clients including national utilities and infrastructure providers, you will oversee multi-disciplinary teams and play an integral part in project delivery and client engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading the preparation and management of Planning Applications and Development Consent Orders.
• Acting as a planning lead on major infrastructure schemes, primarily in the Water and Energy sectors.
• Overseeing multi-disciplinary project teams to ensure high-quality, timely delivery.
• Preparing bid submissions, tender responses and contributing to framework appointments.
• Developing and maintaining client relationships to support growth across key markets.
• Supporting and mentoring junior team members and contributing to team development.

About You:

You will be a commercially astute and confident professional, with proven experience in planning within infrastructure and large-scale developments.

Essential Criteria:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Chartered Member of the RTPI or working towards accreditation.
• Demonstrable experience in major planning applications and/or DCOs.
• Strong understanding of TCPA, DCO, TWAO and EIA processes.
• Skilled in project management and delivery within a consultancy or infrastructure setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and liaise effectively with clients and stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Sector experience in Water and Energy.
• Experience supporting business development and client engagement.
• Working knowledge of ESG, Net Zero, and digital transformation within planning.

What’s on Offer:

• Opportunity to work with a collaborative and respected national planning team.
• A diverse project portfolio spanning sustainable infrastructure, net zero and critical utilities.
• Supportive environment for career progression and professional development.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

To apply or learn more, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]