Associate Director of Town Planning

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent planning consultancy is looking for an Associate Director to establish their new Manchester office. This role offers strategic influence in a growing team, focusing on stakeholder management, compliance, and planning services.

Benefits

Car allowance

Competitive remuneration package

Opportunity to shape regional expansion

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior planning leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of the Manchester and North West planning landscape.
• Prior non-executive or advisory experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the Manchester office.
• Manage and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with planning regulations.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Decision Making

Compliance Knowledge

Education

MRTPI qualification

Job description

Job Description

Associate Director (Planning)

Location: Manchester
Salary: £60,000 + Car Allowance

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to support a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to help launch their new Manchester office. Known for delivering high-quality planning and development services across the UK, this consultancy values a collaborative, commercially-minded approach and is committed to supporting clients across various sectors.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to shape the direction of a new regional presence and make a significant impact during an exciting period of growth.

The Role

As Associate Director (Planning) - Non-Executive, you will provide strategic oversight and leadership to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Manchester office. You will act as a trusted advisor, contribute to key decisions, and represent the consultancy in the local market.

Key Responsibilities

1. Stakeholder Management: Represent the business at local events and forums. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and the local business community.
2. Compliance and Governance: Ensure all office operations align with local planning regulations and internal policies. Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, highlighting key opportunities and challenges.
3. Recruitment and Team Building: Support the recruitment and onboarding of the new Manchester team. Foster a collaborative and professional culture aligned with the consultancy's values.
4. Performance Monitoring: Define and monitor KPIs for the new office. Offer strategic recommendations to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
5. Planning Consultancy Work: Respond to planning enquiries, manage the full scope of planning services for clients, deliver proposals, conduct site appraisals, submit planning applications and appeals, and advise on planning policy and development strategy.

Experience Required

• Proven experience in a senior planning leadership role.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the Manchester and North West planning landscape.
• Sound understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to make autonomous, well-informed decisions.
• MRTPI qualification (essential).
• Prior non-executive or advisory experience (desirable).

What's on Offer

• Competitive remuneration package (£60K + car allowance)
• Strategic advisory position with high-level influence
• Opportunity to shape and support a major regional expansion

Interested? To apply or find out more, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on [phone number removed] or email [url removed] in confidence.