Associate Town Planner Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A values-led planning consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director - Planning to manage projects and mentor junior staff in their Manchester or London offices. This role includes leading projects, providing strategic advice, and contributing to business development within a supportive environment focused on collaboration and people.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working

Opportunity to lead and grow

Supportive culture focused on people, purpose, and place

Qualifications

• Significant town planning experience in consultancy or local authority.
• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and development process.
• Confident handling complex or sensitive planning matters.

Responsibilities

• Leading planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and public consultations.
• Providing clear, commercially minded advice to clients.
• Mentoring junior team members and promoting a collaborative team culture.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Team Collaboration

Education

MRTPI or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Associate Director - Planning
Location: Manchester or London
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Type: Full-Time, Permanent

We're supporting a values-led planning consultancy in their search for an experienced Associate Director to join their growing team. With offices in Manchester and London, the company delivers bespoke planning strategies across the UK, working on a broad mix of commercial, residential, leisure, and regeneration projects.

This is a great opportunity to join a people-focused, design-conscious consultancy known for its collaborative ethos and trusted client relationships.

The role
As Associate Director, you'll take the lead on planning projects from early-stage advice through to delivery. You'll support clients with tailored strategy, manage internal and external teams, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the business. You'll also mentor junior staff and help to shape a supportive, inclusive working environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and public consultations
  
• Providing clear, commercially minded advice to clients
  
• Coordinating consultant teams and managing relationships with planning authorities
  
• Supporting business development and identifying opportunities for growth
  
• Mentoring junior team members and promoting a collaborative team culture
  

What we're looking for:

• Significant town planning experience in consultancy or local authority
  
• MRTPI (or equivalent)
  
• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and development process
  
• Excellent communication skills and experience managing stakeholders
  
• Confident handling complex or sensitive planning matters
  
• Collaborative approach and interest in placemaking and long-term project impact
  

What's on offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
  
• Flexible working
  
• Opportunity to lead and grow within a close-knit team
  
• A supportive culture focused on people, purpose and place
  

To apply or find out more, get in touch today for a confidential discussion.

Apply today on (phone number removed) and forward your CV to (url removed)