Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy on the South Coast is seeking an Associate Director - Town Planning. This role is ideal for an experienced planner looking for a fresh challenge or for a Senior Planner seeking advancement in a supportive environment. You will manage planning projects, develop client relationships, prepare reports, and mentor junior staff. A minimum of seven years qualifications and experience in planning is required. Strong communication skills and a UK driving license are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years' post-qualification experience.
• Strong communication skills needed for client relations and reports.
• Ability to manage projects and mentor junior planners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with clients and professionals.
• Prepare reports and planning appraisals for submissions.
• Liaise with local authorities during the planning process.

Skills

Written communication skills

Verbal communication skills

Problem-solving

Client relationship management

Project management

Education

Chartered Town Planner qualification

Tools

MS Office

Web-based systems

Job description

Associate Director - Town Planning
Location: Dorset, Wareham

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded and established planning consultancy on the South Coast in their search for an Associate Director. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Associate seeking a fresh challenge or a Senior Planner ready to progress into an Associate Director role within a supportive and well-respected practice.

The business has built an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality planning advice and successfully guiding development projects from inception through to delivery on the ground. If you became a planner to make a genuine impact, this Associate Director position offers the platform, autonomy and variety to do just that.

The Role

As an Associate Director, you will be a Chartered Town Planner with substantive experience gained in the public and/or private sector (consultancy or client-side). Your responsibilities will include:

• Understanding the needs and motivations of clients including housebuilders, land promoters, and national, regional and local developers.
• Developing and maintaining long-lasting relationships with clients and allied professionals.
• Demonstrating technical excellence and applying planning expertise to set and deliver effective strategies.
• Preparing high-quality written advice, reports, and planning appraisals.
• Undertaking due diligence and research, preparing and submitting planning applications and appeals.
• Liaising and negotiating with local authority officers throughout the determination process.
• Participating in community engagement and consultation events.
• Managing projects efficiently while working on your own initiative within a collaborative team environment.
• Supporting, mentoring and inspiring planners, assistant planners and graduate planners.

About You

The successful Associate Director will demonstrate:

• A minimum of seven years' post-qualification experience (flexibility for the right candidate).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A solutions-focused mindset and enthusiasm for problem-solving.
• Good IT literacy, including MS Office and web-based systems.
• A willingness to learn and adapt as planning policy, legislation and best practice evolve.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a car.

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)