Associate Town Planner | Associate Director in Leeds)

Penguin Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Leeds seeks an experienced Associate Town Planner to lead planning strategies and applications. This role offers the chance to mentor junior staff and contribute to business development, all within a supportive, hybrid working environment. Applicants should have an RTPI-accredited degree and solid experience in UK consultancy, alongside strong communication and leadership skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Paid professional subscriptions

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• RTPI-accredited degree and MRTPI status required.
• Proven track record in managing projects and handling complex applications.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead major planning applications and projects.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to clients.
• Oversee and mentor junior team members.

Skills

RTPI-accredited degree

Significant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience

Strong communication skills

Excellent commercial awareness

Proactive, solutions-focused mindset

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

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?