Associate Town Planner | Associate Director in Manchester)

Penguin Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent planning and design consultancy in the UK is looking for an Associate/Associate Director in Infrastructure Planning to lead projects and develop strategies across energy, transport, and environmental sectors. Ideal candidates will have experience with TCPA consents, excellent communication skills, and a commercially minded approach. The role offers a salary up to £90,000, excellent benefits, and a clear path to Director level.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £90,000

Excellent benefits package

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Clear path to Director level

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in infrastructure planning and securing TCPA consents.
• Experience in large-scale infrastructure or renewable energy projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage infrastructure planning projects from inception to delivery.
• Prepare applications through TCPA and DCO consenting routes.
• Work with senior directors to develop and implement infrastructure strategy.
• Support business development and build relationships across sectors.
• Collaborate with teams to deliver project solutions.

Skills

Proven experience delivering infrastructure planning projects

Understanding of DCO processes

Strong knowledge of EIA

Commercially minded

Confident communicator

Job description

Job Title: Associate / Associate Director - Infrastructure Planning

Location: Bristol, Oxford, or Manchester

Salary: Up to £90,000 (DOE)

Company: Leading Independent Planning and Design Consultancy

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Associate or Associate Director to join a respected independent planning, design, and environmental consultancy with a strong national reputation for creativity, collaboration, and sustainable design.

This is a newly created role as part of the company's three-year plan to grow its infrastructure offering. You'll play a key part in developing the consultancy's presence in the infrastructure market, helping to deliver complex projects, build client relationships, and shape long-term strategy across energy, transport, and environmental sectors.

The Opportunity

As an Associate / Associate Director in Infrastructure Planning, you'll work closely with senior leadership to manage projects, develop new business opportunities, and provide strategic advice on major infrastructure schemes. You'll collaborate across the consultancy's multidisciplinary teams – from environmental specialists to urban designers – to deliver integrated, high-quality outcomes for clients.

This role offers the scope to take ownership of your projects and make a tangible impact on the business's continued success in the infrastructure planning sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage infrastructure planning projects from inception to delivery.
• Prepare and oversee applications through TCPA and DCO consenting routes.
• Work with senior directors to develop and implement infrastructure strategy.
• Support business development and build relationships across public and private sectors.
• Collaborate with environmental and design teams to deliver joined‑up project solutions.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team growth and professional development.
• Represent the consultancy externally, building brand recognition in the infrastructure market.

Key Sectors

• Energy (solar, wind, hydrogen, carbon capture)
• Grid systems and connectivity
• Transport (rail, ports, major public infrastructure)
• Water (reservoirs, flood management, river systems)
• Natural and spatial infrastructure (land use, natural capital, regional strategies)

About You

• Proven experience delivering infrastructure planning projects and securing TCPA consents.
• Understanding of DCO processes and consenting strategies.
• Strong knowledge of EIA and environmental coordination.
• Confident communicator and collaborator across disciplines.
• Commercially minded with business development experience.
• Previous experience in large‑scale infrastructure or renewable energy projects desirable.

The Offer

Join a consultancy known for its collaborative culture, forward‑thinking leadership, and commitment to sustainability. In return, you'll receive:

• Competitive salary up to £90,000 (DOE)
• Excellent benefits package
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Clear path to Director level
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible.