Associate Director | Planning Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead significant projects and contribute to strategic business growth. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Town Planning, chartered membership of the RTPI, and extensive UK planning consultancy experience. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangement, and genuine support for career development.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Additional day off for birthday

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Collaborative working culture

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a UK planning consultancy or similar environment.
• Excellent understanding of UK planning policy and development processes.
• A track record of successful project delivery and business development.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the preparation and delivery of planning applications and appeals.
• Provide expert advice on complex planning matters to a wide range of clients.
• Oversee project teams and junior staff, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to growth strategy.
• Represent clients at planning hearings and public consultations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Client management

Business development

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Chartered Membership of the RTPI

Job description

Associate Director / Planning Director

Location: Birmingham

Are you a driven and experienced planning professional ready to take the next step in your career? This opportunity offers a key leadership role within a well-established and ambitious planning consultancy, supporting their continued growth across the Midlands and wider UK.

This position offers the chance to lead on significant and complex projects while contributing to the strategic direction of a growing Birmingham-based team.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Private medical insurance
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements based in central Birmingham
• Exposure to a broad range of projects, including:
• Major mixed-use urban extensions
• Urban regeneration and strategic land developments
• A collaborative and forward-thinking working culture
• Genuine support for career development and progression

The Role

You will play a central role in shaping and delivering planning strategies across a diverse portfolio of projects. Working closely with housebuilders, land promoters, and landowners, you will guide applications, manage client relationships, and provide leadership within the Birmingham planning team.

You’ll also contribute to the ongoing growth of the business through business development, team mentoring, and strengthening relationships across the consultancy’s network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the preparation and delivery of planning applications and appeals
• Provide expert advice on complex planning matters to a wide range of clients
• Oversee project teams and junior staff, ensuring quality and timely delivery
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to growth strategy
• Represent clients at planning hearings and public consultations

What You’ll Need

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Chartered Membership of the RTPI
• Significant experience in a UK planning consultancy or similar environment
• Excellent understanding of UK planning policy and development processes
• Strong leadership, communication, and client management skills
• A track record of successful project delivery and business development

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792 365 000 or [e-mail]