Associate Director of Planning

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking planning consultancy is seeking an Associate Director in Town Planning for their Manchester office. This key leadership role requires a seasoned professional with expertise in stakeholder engagement and operational management, offering a competitive salary plus car allowance. Join a reputable consultancy and help shape a new office with significant autonomy and impact.

Benefits

Car Allowance

Flexibility around time commitment

Opportunity to shape a new office

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior planning role, ideally with private sector exposure.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder, and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of governance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Represent the company at local events and establish strong links with stakeholders.
• Manage a full spectrum of planning and development services.
• Define and monitor KPIs for operational performance.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Planning

Project Leadership

Communication

Relationship Building

Education

MRTPI qualification

Job description

Job Description

Associate Director (Town Planning)

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 + Car Allowance

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to support a dynamic and forward-thinking planning consultancy as they expand into the North West with a new office in Manchester. This firm is well regarded for delivering high-quality planning and development consultancy services across a diverse client base. They are seeking an experienced Associate Director (Planning) to help lead and shape their regional presence.

The Opportunity

This is a key leadership role suited to a seasoned planning professional with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement, business development, and operational oversight. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Director to establish, grow, and govern the Manchester office while delivering high-level planning services to clients.

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the company at local events and establish strong links with local business networks and stakeholders.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure full compliance with local regulations and internal policies. Provide regular strategic updates and reports to the Managing Director.
• Operational Performance: Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs). Provide insight-driven recommendations to enhance office operations and client service delivery.
• Planning Consultancy: Manage a full spectrum of planning and development services including appraisals, applications, policy advice, appeals, and inquiries. Respond to client inquiries and provide expert guidance throughout the planning process.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in a senior planning role, ideally with private sector exposure.
• MRTPI qualification (essential).
• Strong strategic planning and project leadership capabilities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of the Greater Manchester planning and development landscape.
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and non-executive responsibilities. Previous non-executive board-level experience is desirable.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary plus car allowance.
• High-impact, high-autonomy role in a growing regional operation.
• The chance to shape a new office from the ground up, supported by a reputable consultancy.
• Flexibility around time commitment for the right candidate.

Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones at (phone number removed) or (url removed).