Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director in Town Planning to lead projects across multiple UK offices. This role requires strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high-quality planning solutions. The position offers competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid working

Professional training

Leadership development programs

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in planning.
• Experience leading large-scale planning projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning projects of varying scale.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Client Focus

Education

MRTPI qualified

Job description

Associate Director - Town Planning

Locations:

Abingdon, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)

Level:

Associate / Associate Director

Sector:

Town Planning / Infrastructure Planning

Type:

Full-Time, Permanent (Part-Time options available)

About the Role

An established multi-disciplinary consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join its growing national Development & Infrastructure Planning team. With opportunities available across multiple UK offices, this is a pivotal role suited for a commercially minded planner with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high-quality planning solutions across a diverse range of projects.

What's on Offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Hybrid working as standard, with flexible arrangements available.
• Access to industry-recognised professional training and leadership development programs.
• A flat and collaborative team structure, fostering innovation and cross-sector learning.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile, nationally significant projects with real impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage planning projects of varying scale and complexity.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, identifying and securing new business.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.
• Prepare and review planning applications, Local Plan representations, appeal statements, and EIA documents.
• Provide input into tender submissions and fee proposals.
• Support public inquiries, Local Plan examinations, and major consultations.
• Oversee project resourcing, finances, and compliance with client expectations.

About You:

• MRTPI qualified (or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience leading on large-scale planning projects, including infrastructure and energy developments.
• Strong understanding of UK planning policy and legal frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Commercial acumen with a strong client focus.

How to Apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV above. For enquiries, contact Megan Field at [phone number].