Associate Director of Town Planning in Manchester)

Penguin Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent planning consultancy seeks an Associate Director (Planning) to establish its new Manchester office. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic initiatives and operations, ensuring compliance and stakeholder engagement while fostering a collaborative environment. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in planning leadership, especially within the Manchester and North West landscape.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior planning leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of the Manchester and North West planning landscape.
• Ability to make autonomous, well-informed decisions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for the new Manchester office.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ensure office operations align with planning regulations.

Skills

Strategic planning

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MRTPI qualification

Job description

Associate Director (Planning)

Location: Manchester

Salary: £60,000 + Car Allowance

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to help lead the launch of their new Manchester office.

With an established reputation for delivering high-quality planning and development services across the UK, this consultancy is known for its collaborative, commercially-minded approach and its commitment to supporting clients across a wide range of sectors.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to help 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 new Manchester office. You'll act as a trusted advisor, contribute to key decisions, and represent the consultancy in the local market.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management

* Represent the business at local events and forums.

* Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and the local business community.

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.

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.

Performance Monitoring

* Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the new office.

* Offer strategic recommendations to enhance performance and operational efficiency.

Planning Consultancy Work

* Respond to planning enquiries and manage the full scope of planning services for clients.

* Deliver fee 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?