Associate Town Planner | Associate Director

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning and design consultancy is seeking an Associate Town Planner / Associate Director in Leeds. You will lead major planning projects and mentor junior staff in a hybrid work setting. The ideal candidate holds an RTPI-accredited degree, has significant UK consultancy experience, and possesses excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Career development opportunities

Hybrid working and flexible hours

Qualifications

• Significant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience.
• Track record of managing projects and leading complex planning applications.
• Passion for strategic planning and delivering quality outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Leading major planning applications and land promotion projects.
• Providing expert planning advice and strategic guidance to clients.
• Developing and maintaining strong client relationships.

Skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

RTPI-accredited degree and MRTPI status

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Associate Town Planner | Associate Director

Location: Leeds (Hybrid Working Available)

Penguin Recruitment is proud to support a nationally recognized 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 quickly established itself as one of the top 20 planning firms in the UK, with a multidisciplinary team of over 50 planners across six regional hubs. Their comprehensive services include planning, socio-economics, heritage, design, and architecture. They have a strong track record in strategic residential-led development, working with major housebuilders, developers, land promoters, and investment companies nationwide.

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 growth of the regional office. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a successful framework with autonomy, flexibility, and the support of a multidisciplinary team.

You will mentor junior staff, lead client relationships, and contribute to business development strategies in the North.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leading major planning applications and land promotion projects
2. Providing expert planning advice and strategic guidance to clients
3. Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
4. Preparing and presenting reports, planning submissions, and representations
5. Overseeing junior team members and supporting their development
6. Contributing to regional business planning and supporting proposals
7. 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 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
• Paid professional subscriptions
• Career development within a supportive and growing business
• An opportunity to influence the growth and direction of the Leeds and wider Northern region

Interested? The hiring manager is eager to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones at [contact details].