Associate Director - Planning

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading planning and design consultancy as an Associate Director in Town Planning in Manchester. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex projects, mentor junior staff, and develop strategic planning initiatives, all within a supportive team environment. The position provides a competitive salary, flexible working, and a clear pathway to directorship, making it an excellent opportunity for experienced professionals looking to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Annual performance bonus

Clear pathway to Director-level progression

APC support and structured CPD

Supportive and inclusive team culture

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience in UK planning.
• Strong track record in consultancy or client-side planning.
• Experience leading planning applications and appeals.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of planning strategy for high-profile projects.
• Manage client relationships and oversee planning applications.
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to business development.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Awareness

Client Management

Communication Skills

Education

MRTPI Chartered

Job description

Job Description

Associate Director – Town Planning – Manchester – Up to £55,000 + Benefits

• Lead complex planning projects at a respected, design-led consultancy
• Based in central Manchester with flexible hybrid working options
• Shape strategy, guide clients, and mentor junior planners
• Excellent package with scope for further progression

ABOUT THE CLIENT:

Our client is a well-established planning and design consultancy, delivering expert planning advice and strategy across sectors including green infrastructure, commercial, mixed-use, and residential. Known for their collaborative approach and planning insight, they work on some of the UK’s most ambitious and challenging development projects. Due to sustained growth, they are now seeking an Associate Director – Town Planning to join their Manchester office and help lead the team into its next phase of success.

THE BENEFITS:

• Salary up to £60,000 depending on experience
• Hybrid working model and flexible hours
• Annual performance bonus
• Clear pathway to Director-level progression
• Supportive and inclusive team culture
• APC support and structured CPD
• Strategic input across multidisciplinary teams

THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – TOWN PLANNING ROLE:

You’ll take a lead role in delivering planning strategy for a range of high-profile projects across the North and nationally. This will involve managing client relationships, preparing and overseeing planning applications and appeals, and offering expert advice at all stages of the development lifecycle. You’ll also contribute to business development, lead internal project teams, and provide mentorship to junior planners. This role combines hands-on planning work with leadership, commercial awareness, and strategic thinking.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – TOWN PLANNING ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• MRTPI chartered with a strong track record in consultancy or client-side planning
• At least 10 years’ professional experience within the UK planning system
• Demonstrable experience leading planning applications and appeals
• Confident managing clients, stakeholders, and project teams
• Strong commercial awareness and interest in business development
• Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills

TO BE CONSIDERED:

Please either apply through this advert or email me directly at [e-mail]. For further information, please call me on 07881 244 212. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.