Associate Director & Director of Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected planning consultancy in the UK is seeking an Associate Director to lead high-profile planning projects and provide strategic advice. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in town planning and MRTPI accreditation. This senior role offers the chance to shape project outcomes, mentor junior staff, and contribute to business development in a supportive environment with flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in UK town planning, ideally gained in consultancy or senior local government roles.
• Proven delivery of complex planning approvals.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-profile planning projects from inception through submission and determination.
• Provide senior-level planning strategy and development advice.
• Act as a key client contact, ensuring exceptional service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client engagement

Team management

Commercial awareness

Education

MRTPI accreditation or equivalent chartership

Job description

Associate Director | Director of Town Planning

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)