Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment; Ringway; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A planning consultancy is seeking an Associate Town Planner to lead major applications in a senior client-facing role. The ideal candidate will hold the MRTPI Chartered Planner qualification and have strong experience in delivering residential and mixed-use projects across the North West. Management and mentoring opportunities are provided within a supportive, growth-oriented environment. This role offers the autonomy to shape projects while contributing to a well-respected consultancy during its period of growth.

Benefits

Flexible working

Mentoring opportunities

Pathway to Director-level progression

Qualifications

• MRTPI Chartered Town Planner required.
• 5+ years of experience in consultancy or local authority.
• Proven success in delivering residential/mixed-use schemes.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning applications and appeals.
• Provide planning advice to developers and landowners.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

MRTPI Chartered Town Planner

Leadership skills

Client management

Communication skills

Job description

Job Title: Associate Town Planner
Location: Manchester, UK

About the Role

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be working with a respected and expanding planning consultancy in Manchester on the appointment of an Associate Town Planner. This is a pivotal hire for the team and would suit a Chartered Planner with strong experience delivering residential and mixed-use schemes across the North West.

The Role Offers

• A senior client-facing role with responsibility for leading major applications
• Management of projects from inception through to determination and appeal
• Line management and mentoring opportunities within the planning team
• Direct involvement in business development and client strategy
• Flexible working and a supportive, growth-oriented environment

Key Responsibilities

• Leading on complex planning applications, appeals, and strategic site promotion
• Providing sound planning advice to housebuilders, developers, and landowners
• Coordinating multidisciplinary project teams and managing client expectations
• Representing clients at hearings, committee meetings, and public consultations
• Contributing to fee proposals, resourcing, and business development

Requirements

• MRTPI Chartered Town Planner (essential)
• Significant experience (typically 5+ years) within a consultancy or local authority environment
• Proven track record of delivering residential and mixed-use schemes in the North West
• Excellent understanding of the planning policy landscape and development process
• Strong leadership, communication, and client management skills

Why Join This Team

This consultancy has a strong regional presence, a loyal client base, and an excellent reputation for professionalism and delivery. You'll be joining at a time of growth, with the autonomy to shape your own projects while being part of a friendly, expert team. The pathway to Director-level progression is clear and well-supported.

Interested?

To find out more, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed). CVs and informal enquiries are welcome