Planning Director - Manchester

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A nationally respected planning consultancy is seeking a Planning Director or Associate Director in Manchester. This senior role focuses on delivering strategic planning advice to a major UK retail client, requiring expertise in retail and commercial planning. Responsibilities include managing planning needs, providing strategic advice, and preparing planning applications. The ideal candidate is MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning and has a proven track record in managing multiple projects. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Key role in a renowned planning team

Collaborative working culture

Qualifications

• MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning.
• A strong track record of delivering retail or commercial planning schemes.
• Commercially minded with excellent client service skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the planning needs of a high-profile retail client.
• Provide strategic advice on site selection and planning assessments.
• Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals.

Skills

Retail planning expertise

Client relationship management

Strong communication skills

Education

MRTPI qualification

Significant UK planning experience

Job description

A nationally respected company is seeking a Planning Director or Associate Director with a strong track record in retail, commercial and industrial planning to join its growing Manchester team. This is a senior hire with a clear focus: delivering strategic planning advice to one of the UK's most prominent and active developer clients.

You’ll play a lead role in managing the planning needs of this high‑profile client, supporting their national property portfolio. This is a fast‑paced, commercially driven role requiring technical planning expertise, excellent client service, and a deep understanding of the retail and commercial planning landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as lead planning advisor for a major UK retail client, managing a high volume of varied projects
• Provide strategic advice on site selection, planning appraisals, sequential and impact assessments, and planning risk
• Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals across England
• Collaborate closely with in‑house teams and external consultants to deliver planning outcomes efficiently
• Support wider business development and contribute to the continued growth of the retail planning offer

About You

• MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning, ideally within consultancy or retail client‑side roles
• A strong track record of delivering retail or commercial planning schemes at pace and at scale
• Proven expertise in retail policy, town centre planning, and commercial development
• Commercially minded, with excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Comfortable managing multiple projects across a national portfolio

What’s on Offer

• The chance to work with a major UK client on a retained basis, therefore no need to business develop.
• A key role within a nationally recognised planning team with retail sector depth
• A collaborative and flexible working culture, based out of central Manchester
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with room for progression

If you’re a retail‑focused planner looking for a role where your expertise will be valued and your work will have a direct commercial impact, this could be your next step.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via [e-mail]