Associate Director - Planning

Carrington West; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A planning consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Town Planning to lead projects and mentor team members. Candidates should have 8-10 years of relevant experience, chartered RTPI membership, and exceptional communication skills. This role, based in Bedford or Warwickshire, offers competitive compensation and a chance to influence diverse projects.

Benefits

Ongoing training programmes

Supportive workplace culture

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of industry experience, mostly in the private sector.
• Significant post-Chartership experience.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead project work and mentor junior team members.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Prepare tenders and manage project budgets.

Skills

Extensive experience in planning applications

Exceptional written and verbal communication

Ability to work independently

Proactive, self-motivated attitude

Education

Chartered RTPI membership

Postgraduate qualification in Planning

Job description

Overview

Associate Director - Town Planning

Location: Bedford or Warwickshire
Salary negotiable DOE

About the Role

Carrington West is proud to partner with our client in their search for an accomplished Town Planner to join the team as an Associate Director. This is a key leadership role within the planning department, offering the opportunity to shape and influence projects across a variety of sectors.

Our client is looking for an experienced planning professional with 8-10 years of industry experience, the majority of which should have been gained within the private sector. Chartered RTPI membership is essential, and a postgraduate qualification in Planning or a related discipline is highly desirable. Significant post-Chartership experience is expected.

As an Associate Director, you will operate with a high degree of independence under the guidance of Directors. You will manage a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Leading projects from start to finish
• Handling planning applications of varying scales
• Preparing local plan representations and promoting sites
• Managing appeals, public inquiries, and Examination in Public work

The role also involves business development, including maintaining and expanding our strong presence across the East of England and East Midlands. You will have the opportunity to contribute to a growing national portfolio spanning residential, specialist housing, and commercial projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project work, mentor junior team members, and ensure delivery to high standards
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through networking and regular engagement
• Represent clients at hearings, public inquiries, and other forums where required
• Prepare tenders, fee proposals, and manage project budgets effectively

What We're Looking For

• Extensive experience in planning applications, appeals, and commercial planning advice
• Exceptional written, verbal, and technical skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude with a strong focus on growth and client development
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Skills

• Business development experience, including generating new work
• Experience of appearing at public inquiries or hearings
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting and billing
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members

Why Join Us?

Our client is committed to supporting your professional development through ongoing training programmes. They also prioritise wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion, fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

If you're ready to take the next step in your planning career and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please contact Georgia Cookson on (phone number removed), or (url removed) to find out more

Job reference: 60295