Associate Town Planner | Associate Director

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A values-led planning consultancy is looking for an Associate Director to join its team in Manchester or London. The role involves leading planning projects, mentoring junior staff, and providing tailored strategies for clients. The successful candidate will have significant town planning experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a collaborative approach. Join a people-focused, design-conscious consultancy committed to delivering bespoke planning strategies across various sectors.

Benefits

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

Qualifications

• 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 of complex or sensitive planning matters.
• Collaborative approach and interest in placemaking and long-term project impact.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Town planning experience

MRTPI or equivalent

Understanding of UK planning policy

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Handling sensitive planning matters

Collaborative approach and placemaking

Job description

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 strategies, manage internal and external teams, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the business. You will also mentor junior staff and help to shape a supportive, inclusive working environment.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Leading planning applications, appraisals, appeals, and public consultations
2. Providing clear, commercially minded advice to clients
3. Coordinating consultant teams and managing relationships with planning authorities
4. Supporting business development and identifying opportunities for growth
5. 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 of 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).