Associate Town Planner | Associate Director

ZipRecruiter; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning and design consultancy is hiring an Associate Town Planner in Leeds. This role involves shaping planning strategies, leading applications, and mentoring staff. Ideal candidates will have significant UK planning experience and an RTPI-accredited degree, with opportunities for career development and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Flexible hours

Paid professional subscriptions

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience required.
• Excellent commercial awareness and confidence in client-facing situations necessary.
• Passion for strategic planning and delivering quality outcomes essential.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Client Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

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 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, with a multidisciplinary team of over 50 planners across six regional hubs. Their 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, shaping and delivering high-profile planning strategies and applications, while supporting the growth of the regional office. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an already successful framework, offering autonomy, flexibility, and the support of a multidisciplinary team.

You will mentor junior staff, lead client relationships, and contribute to the business development strategy 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 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 business
• Opportunity to shape the growth and direction of the Leeds and wider Northern region

Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones at (phone number removed) or (url removed).