Associate Director / Technical DIrector Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning and environmental consultancy is seeking an Associate Director / Technical Director – Town Planning to lead significant infrastructure projects. This role involves strategic leadership, client management, and hands-on project delivery across the UK. Ideal candidates should hold MRTPI or an equivalent qualification, possess extensive experience in planning and infrastructure projects, and have strong leadership and stakeholder management skills. A competitive salary and a hybrid working environment are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible, hybrid working environment

Accredited professional development programmes

Collaborative and inclusive culture

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in major planning and infrastructure projects, including DCOs and EIA-led schemes.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership and stakeholder management.
• Strong people management and mentoring capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead on large-scale infrastructure and renewables projects across the UK.
• Coordinate and mentor planning teams, contributing to their professional development.
• Represent clients at public inquiries, examinations, and hearings.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

People management

Commercial awareness

Education

Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) or equivalent

Job description

Associate Director / Technical Director – Town Planning

Location : Leeds | Hybrid Working Available

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a nationally renowned planning and environmental consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Director / Technical Director – Town Planning. This organisation is a recognised leader in major infrastructure and development projects, with an exceptional portfolio spanning energy, transport, commercial, and strategic housing schemes.

The Opportunity

This is a senior position that offers a rare opportunity to play a leading role in the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects, renewable energy schemes, and large-scale mixed-use developments. Based in Leeds, you will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team with planning and environmental experts working across the UK. Your work will span the full development lifecycle, including Development Consent Orders (DCOs), major planning applications, and EIA coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead on large-scale infrastructure and renewables projects across the UK.
• Coordinate and mentor planning teams, contributing to their professional development.
• Oversee high-quality planning submissions and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Take a lead role in complex EIA, DCO, and DNS projects.

Client Management & Business Development

• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Identify new opportunities and lead on successful bid submissions.
• Work collaboratively across service lines to deliver integrated project solutions.

Governance & Representation

• Represent clients at public inquiries, examinations, and hearings.
• Act as an expert witness when required.
• Ensure best practice in compliance, project management, and commercial viability.

Candidate Profile

• Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) or equivalent relevant qualification.
• Extensive experience in major planning and infrastructure projects, including DCOs and EIA-led schemes.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership and stakeholder management.
• Previous experience as an expert witness at public inquiries and examinations.
• Strong people management and mentoring capabilities.
• Commercial awareness and financial acumen in managing large-scale projects.
• Established market reputation with a track record of winning and delivering sustainable projects.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible, hybrid working environment.
• Access to nationally significant infrastructure and renewables projects.
• Accredited professional development programmes, including leadership and executive coaching.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture that supports innovation, wellbeing, and professional growth.