Associate Director & Director Of Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned planning consultancy in Edinburgh is seeking an experienced Associate Director for strategic planning. This senior role involves leading high-profile projects, providing expert advice, and mentoring junior planners. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in UK town planning, MRTPI accreditation, and strong leadership qualities. The consultancy values innovation and offers a collaborative working environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Leadership development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in UK town planning, ideally in consultancy or senior local government.
• MRTPI accredited or equivalent chartership with proven complex planning delivery.
• Proactive leader capable of managing teams and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-profile planning projects from inception to determination.
• Provide senior-level planning strategy and development advice to clients.
• Act as a key contact for clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Contribute to business development and strategic growth initiatives.

Skills

UK town planning experience

MRTPI accreditation

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Leadership skills

Commercial awareness

Job description

Associate Director – Strategic Planning Consultancy – Edinburgh

Are you an experienced planning professional ready to step into a senior leadership position? We are partnering with a well-regarded, independent planning and development consultancy with offices across the UK – including Scotland and Northern Ireland – to recruit a motivated and commercially astute Associate Director to help lead and grow their practice. The firm is known for delivering high-quality planning advice across a variety of sectors, advising both public and private sector clients on complex development challenges.

Role Summary

• Lead and manage high-profile planning projects from inception through submission and determination.
• Provide senior-level planning strategy and development advice to a diverse client base.
• Act as a key client contact, building strong relationships and ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Mentor and support more junior planners, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Contribute to business development, helping shape and drive strategic growth initiatives.

This is a senior role ideal for a chartered planner or senior planner ready to take on broader leadership responsibilities, influencing both project outcomes and the long-term success of the consultancy.

What We're Looking For

• Substantial experience in UK town planning, ideally gained in consultancy or senior local government roles.
• MRTPI accreditation (or equivalent chartership) with proven delivery of complex planning approvals.
• A strategic thinker with excellent communication and client engagement skills.
• A proactive leader who can manage teams, mentor staff, and contribute to business growth.
• Strong commercial awareness, with confidence in shaping project approaches and identifying new opportunities.

Why This Role Matters

This consultancy prides itself on a personable, professional and proactive approach to planning advice – blending technical excellence with a collaborative mindset to deliver real impact for clients. You will be joining a growing team that values innovation, high standards and long-term client relationships while offering opportunities for professional and leadership development.

What You'll Gain

• Broader leadership responsibilities within a respected planning practice.
• Meaningful influence on the direction of strategic projects and firm growth.
• Exposure to diverse planning work, from housing and renewables to complex redevelopment schemes.
• A supportive and collegial working environment with flexible working options.

For more, please contact Neil Ellerton of Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed).