Associate Town Planner | Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning and design consultancy in Leeds seeks an Associate Town Planner to lead significant projects and provide expert advice. Offering a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and career development within a dynamic team, this role is perfect for an experienced planner ready to shape the future of the planning strategy in the North.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Paid professional subscriptions

Career development

Flexible hours

Qualifications

• Significant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience.
• Track record of managing projects and leading on complex planning applications.
• Strong communication skills and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Leading major planning applications and land promotion projects.
• Providing expert planning advice and strategic guidance to clients.
• Mentoring junior staff and contributing to business development.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Client communication

Leadership

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

MRTPI status

Job description

Job Title: Associate Town Planner | Associate Director
Location: Leeds (Hybrid Working Available)

Penguin Recruitment is proud to be supporting a nationally recognised and fast-growing planning and design consultancy in their search for an Associate Town Planner to join their dynamic team in Leeds.

This leading consultancy has rapidly established itself as one of the top 20 planning firms in the UK, boasting a multidisciplinary team of over 50 planners working across six regional hubs. Their comprehensive service offering includes planning, socio-economics, heritage, design, and architecture. With a strong track record in strategic residential-led development, they work with major housebuilders, developers, land promoters and investment companies across the country.

The Opportunity:

As an Associate Planner, you will play a key leadership role in the North of England, helping to shape and deliver high-profile planning strategies and applications, while supporting the wider growth and success of the regional office.

This is a rare opportunity to help build something within an already successful national framework – offering autonomy, flexibility and the backing of a multidisciplinary team. You will help mentor junior staff, lead client relationships, and contribute directly to the business development strategy in the North.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading major planning applications and land promotion projects
• Providing expert planning advice and strategic guidance to clients
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
• Preparing and presenting reports, planning submissions and representations
• Overseeing junior team members and supporting their development
• Contributing to regional business planning and supporting fee proposals
• Representing the business at appeal hearings, examinations, and stakeholder meetings

What You’ll Need:

• RTPI-accredited degree and MRTPI status
• Significant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience
• Track record of managing projects and leading on complex planning applications
• Excellent commercial awareness and confidence in client-facing situations
• Strong communication skills and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• A passion for strategic planning and delivering quality outcomes

What’s On Offer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Private medical insurance and other market-leading benefits
• Hybrid working and flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
• Paid professional subscriptions
• Career development within a supportive and growing national business
• Opportunity to shape the growth and direction of the Leeds and wider Northern region

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 362 010 or [e-mail]