Associate Director & Director of Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-regarded planning consultancy in Edinburgh seeks an experienced Associate Director. This senior leadership role will involve managing high-profile projects, providing strategic planning advice, and nurturing junior talent. Candidates should have substantial UK town planning experience, MRTPI accreditation, and the ability to foster client relationships. Joining this consultancy means being part of a collaborative team focused on deliverable impacts across diverse sectors, with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in UK town planning, ideally in consultancy or senior local government roles.
• MRTPI accreditation with proven delivery of complex planning approvals.
• Ability to manage teams and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-profile planning projects from inception through submission.
• Provide senior-level planning strategy and development advice.
• Act as a key client contact, building strong relationships.

Skills

UK town planning

MRTPI accreditation

Communication skills

Team management

Business development

Education

Chartered planner (MRTPI)

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

As an Associate Director, you will:

• 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 01792 365 108