Associate Director – Planning, Cambridge

JS Money Limited; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a confident Regional Planning Director to enhance the planning presence in the Cambridge region is available. The role involves significant autonomy, project management, and client engagement in a multi-disciplinary team context. Ideal candidates should bring RTPI Chartered status and a strong record in business development and client management, with clear pathways for leadership progression in a highly supportive environment.

Benefits

Performance-based incentives

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in planning consultancy or a similar environment.
• Strong understanding of planning policy and legislation in England.
• Experience in managing complex planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, submission, and management of planning applications.
• Maintain and expand relationships with local clients and consultants.
• Mentor and support junior team members.

Skills

Business Development

Client Relationship Management

Communication

Team Leadership

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Education

RTPI Chartered or eligible

Job description

Exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, commercially astute Regional Planning Director to lead and grow our planning presence in the Cambridge region. This is a senior appointment for a confident and experienced planning professional with a proven ability to win work, cultivate long-term client relationships, and drive high-quality planning outcomes across a wide range of sectors.

This opportunity is perfect for a planning professional who is already operating at a senior level or a strong mid-level consultant ready to step up into a more strategic and client-facing role. You will have significant autonomy to manage your own projects, lead client engagement, and play a critical part in the regional growth strategy, with the support of an established multi-disciplinary planning team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the preparation, submission and management of planning applications across sectors including energy (renewables, battery storage, EV, hydrogen), infrastructure, residential, and commercial developments.
Maintain and expand relationships with local clients and consultants, using your network to generate and convert new business opportunities.
Lead project teams and coordinate internal and external technical inputs on multi-disciplinary projects.
Provide planning strategy and advice to clients across the entire project lifecycle.
Deliver planning appraisals, policy research, feasibility reviews, and Local Plan representations.
Represent clients at planning committees, appeals, and public consultations.
Mentor and support junior team members as part of a collaborative and growing regional office.

What My Client is Looking For

RTPI Chartered (or eligible) with at least 5 years of experience in planning consultancy or a similar private-sector environment.
Demonstrable track record of business development, client relationship management and successful work winning.
Strong understanding of planning policy and legislation in England.
Experienced in managing complex planning applications and multi-disciplinary teams.
Excellent communication and written skills, with the confidence to lead client meetings, presentations, and stakeholder engagement events.
A collaborative team player, proactive and self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Why This Role?

Be a key figure in the strategic growth of the Cambridge office with genuine leadership and progression opportunities.
Join a highly experienced, supportive national planning team with access to a wide range of in-house technical expertise (EIA, environmental, transport, landscape, etc.).
Enjoy a culture that values autonomy, creativity, and innovation – not just process.
Competitive salary package, with performance-based incentives and flexible working options.
Opportunities for further progression into a director role.

If this Regional Planning Director role is of interest to you, please get in touch