Associate Town Planner – Associate Director – Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Banbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and performance-related bonus

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for career progression

Supportive and collaborative environment

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Town Planning to join a well-respected planning consultancy in Banbury. This role is ideal for a proven planning professional looking to lead diverse development projects and manage client relationships.

As part of a collaborative team, you will guide strategic business growth while mentoring junior staff, all within a supportive working culture that encourages innovation and career development.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in planning.
• Experience in a planning consultancy environment.
• Proven business development and winning new work skills.
• Established network of contacts for Director-level candidates.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning applications and projects.
• Provide strategic planning advice to private sector clients.
• Manage key client relationships as a trusted advisor.
• Identify business opportunities for consultancy growth.
• Represent clients at meetings and public consultations.
• Mentor junior planning professionals.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the business.

Skills

MRTPI qualified

Strong technical knowledge of the UK planning system

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Client management

Leadership experience

Business development

Education

MRTPI qualification

Job description

Job Title: Associate – Director – Town Planning

Location: Banbury

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a highly regarded independent planning consultancy in its search for an Associate Town Planner or Director to join its expanding team.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a senior role within a well-established consultancy that has built an excellent reputation for delivering expert planning advice across a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, strategic land, mixed‑use, and rural development projects.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading projects, managing client relationships, and contributing to the strategic growth and direction of the business. This position offers genuine autonomy, a collaborative working culture, and the opportunity to shape the future of a growing consultancy.

The Role

• Leading and managing a broad range of planning applications, appeals, and development projects.
• Providing strategic planning advice to a varied private sector client base.
• Managing key client relationships and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Identifying and securing new business opportunities and supporting the continued growth of the consultancy.
• Representing clients at meetings, hearings, and public consultations where required.
• Mentoring and developing junior and mid‑level planning professionals.
• Contributing to the leadership and strategic direction of the business.

Requirements

• MRTPI qualified with significant post‑qualification experience.
• Proven experience within a planning consultancy environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of the UK planning system and planning policy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client management skills.
• Demonstrable experience in business development and winning new work.
• Leadership experience and the ability to manage and inspire teams.
• For Director‑level candidates, an established network of contacts and a proven track record of generating business will be highly advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and performance‑related bonus.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression and long‑term development.
• A supportive, entrepreneurial, and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future success of a highly respected consultancy.
• A varied and high‑quality project portfolio across multiple sectors.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious Associate Town Planner or Director seeking a new challenge and the chance to make a significant impact within a thriving planning consultancy.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on 01792 362 010 or [e-mail]