Associate Director - Town Planning

Aztrum; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established planning consultancy in Edinburgh is seeking an Associate Director or Director-level Town Planner to lead complex planning applications and drive business growth. Candidates should have a MRTPI qualification, significant UK town planning experience, and strong leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary of £65,000 – £75,000 plus benefits, with clear scope for career progression and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in UK town planning, ideally within a consultancy environment.
• Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships at a senior level.
• Experience in the Scottish planning system is beneficial, but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing complex planning applications, appeals and development strategies.
• Providing commercially focused planning advice to a diverse client base.
• Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team.

Skills

MRTPI qualification

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management skills

Business development

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related field

Job description

Associate Director / Director – Town Planning

Location : Edinburgh (hybrid working available)

Salary : £65,000 – £75,000 + benefits (DOE)

I બજ currently working with a well‑established, independent and chartered planning consultancy to appoint an Associate Director or Director‑level Town Planner for their Edinburgh office.

This consultancy has been operating for over a decade and has built a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality planning and development advice on a wide range of projects throughout the UK. Due to continued growth, they are now looking to strengthen their senior leadership team with a commercially minded planner who can help drive the business forward.

The Role

This is a senior appointment offering the opportunity to combine technical planning expertise with leadership and business growth. Key responsibilities include :

• Leading and managing complex planning applications, appeals and development strategiesPacking
• Providing clear, commercially focused planning advice to a diverse client base
• Playing a key role in growing the planning business, including work‑winning, client development and identifying new opportunities
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Mentoring and supporting junior planners within the team
• Representing the consultancy at meetings, consultations and industry events
• Contributing to the strategic direction and growth of the Edinburgh office

The Candidate

My client is keen to speak with ambitious and commercially aware planners who can demonstrate:

• MRTPI qualification
• Significant experience in UK town planning, ideally within a consultancy environment
• Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships at a senior level
• A genuine interest in business development and growing a consultancy
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Experience in the Scottish planning system is beneficial, but not essential

What’s On Offer

• Competitive salary in the range of £65,000 – £75,000, depending on experience
• A senior role with real influence and autonomy
• Clear scope for progression and long‑term career development
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Supportive and entrepreneurial working culture

Apply

If you are an experienced Town Planner looking to take on a senior leadership role within a growing, independent consultancy, please get in touch for a confidential discussion