Planning Director in Manchester)

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking a Director of Planning to lead the national planning practice across the UK, collaborating with senior stakeholders to drive growth and deliver high‑quality planning advice on flagship projects.

The role requires RTPI accreditation, chartered status and a track record of winning and delivering major infrastructure developments, with a strong client network and strategic leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning (RTPI accredited).
• Chartered RTPI member with extensive consultancy experience.
• Proven success leading high-performing planning teams and projects.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting regimes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction to the national Planning practice.
• Lead, inspire and develop planning teams across regions.
• Drive work-winning activities and secure major infrastructure projects.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality planning advice to clients.
• Collaborate with planning, environmental and design teams.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Business development

Team mentoring

Client relationship management

Education

RTPI accredited degree

Chartered RTPI member

Job description

Job Title: Director of Planning

Locations: London, Cambridge, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multidisciplinary consultancy in the appointment of a Director of Planning to join its nationally recognised Planning and Environmental team.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced planning professional to step into a strategic leadership position within one of the UK's foremost infrastructure and development consultancies. The business is at the forefront of thought leadership across sustainable development, Net Zero, ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation, delivering projects that shape communities and support future generations.

Working within a highly collaborative national planning team, you'll play a key role in growing and strengthening the planning offer across the UK while leading major projects and developing high-performing teams.

The Role

As Director of Planning, you will provide strategic leadership across the UK planning practice, working closely with senior stakeholders to drive growth, enhance market presence and deliver technical excellence to clients.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction to the national Planning practice.
• Support the development and delivery of business growth plans.
• Lead, inspire and develop teams across multiple regions.
• Foster a high-performing and collaborative culture.

Business Development

• Drive work-winning activities and secure major infrastructure and development projects.
• Identify emerging opportunities across sectors including energy, transport, water, housing and Net Zero.
• Build and maintain a strong external profile within the industry.
• Strengthen client relationships and market positioning.

Client & Project Delivery

• Act as lead director on flagship projects and key client accounts.
• Deliver high-quality planning advice across complex, multidisciplinary schemes.
• Oversee commercial performance, governance and risk management.
• Ensure technical excellence and outstanding client service.

Collaboration

• Work closely with planning, environmental, engineering and design teams.
• Promote integrated delivery and a one-team approach.
• Contribute to innovation and thought leadership initiatives.

People & Culture

• Mentor and develop planning professionals across all levels.
• Support talent development and succession planning.
• Help attract and retain the industry's best talent.
• Champion an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

About You

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning (RTPI accredited).
• Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Extensive consultancy experience, including leadership of high-performing teams.
• Proven success in winning and delivering major infrastructure and development projects.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting regimes, including DCO experience where applicable.
• Excellent commercial awareness and experience managing complex client relationships.
• An established professional network and recognised industry profile.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a market-leading consultancy and influence some of the UK's most significant infrastructure and development projects. You'll have the platform to shape strategy, grow teams and contribute to the industry's response to some of society's biggest challenges, including climate change, sustainable growth and infrastructure delivery.