Associate Director of Planning - Guildford

James & Partners; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Car allowance

Private medical

Enhanced pension

Life assurance

Job summary

Confidential Client in the UK seeks an Associate Director of Planning to lead a broad range of planning projects, from applications to Local Plan work, with hybrid working from Lewes or Guildford.

You will work with landowners, developers and promoters on high-quality schemes, manage client relationships, and deliver commercially focused advice while supporting senior colleagues to grow your own profile.

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified with a strong track record of progression.
• Experience in private or public sector planning.
• Strong client management and communication skills.
• Commercially aware and able to manage competing priorities.
• Proactive, solutions-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects including applications, appeals and Local Plan work.
• Work with landowners, developers and promoters on high-quality, often complex schemes.
• Take ownership of client relationships and deliver commercially focused advice.
• Support senior colleagues while building your own profile and client base.

Skills

Client management

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Proactive mindset

Education

MRTPI

Job description

Associate Director of Planning

Lewes or Guildford offices | Hybrid Working | Up to £60,000 + excellent benefits

I’m working with a confidential client (one of the UK’s most respected property consultancies) to appoint an Associate Director of Planning — a key strategic hire for their growing team.

With a heritage spanning over a century and a nationwide network of offices, this business combines deep local expertise with a truly national and international platform, advising on everything from strategic land and development through to high-value estates and investment projects.

The Role

• Lead a broad range of planning projects including applications, appeals and Local Plan work
• Work with landowners, developers and promoters on high-quality, often complex schemes
• Take ownership of client relationships and deliver commercially focused advice
• Support senior colleagues while building your own profile and client base

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Join a market-leading, multi-disciplinary consultancy with a reputation for excellence across residential, rural and commercial sectors
• Be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team backed by global expertise and resources
• Work on diverse, high-value projects with sophisticated clients
• Strong emphasis on innovation, tailored client advice and long-term relationships
• Clear pathway to grow your personal brand and leadership profile

What We’re Looking For

• MRTPI qualified with a strong track record of progression
• Experience in private or public sector planning
• Strong client management and communication skills
• Commercially aware and able to manage competing priorities
• A proactive, solutions-driven mindset

Package

• Up to £60,000
• Bonus + car allowance
• Private medical, enhanced pension, life assurance
• Hybrid working + excellent wider benefits

This is a genuine priority hire with strong visibility internally; ideal for someone looking to step into a senior role with real influence and long‑term progression.