Senior Town Planner/Associate Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable design-led consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Senior / Associate Town Planner to lead planning strategy and mentor junior staff. The role offers a hybrid working model and competitive salary ranging from £45,000 to £60,000. Ideal candidates should be MRTPI qualified with experience in leading planning projects and strong client communication skills. Join a collaborative team to contribute to diverse projects enhancing communities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible hybrid working

Clear pathway for progression

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• Qualified planner operating at Senior or Associate level within a consultancy.
• Proven track record managing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy for various projects.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients.
• Provide mentorship to junior planners.

Skills

MRTPI qualified

Experience leading planning projects

Strong commercial awareness

Confident communication skills

Ability to think creatively

Job description

Senior / Associate Town Planner – Design-Led Consultancy
Location: Manchester (Hybrid)
Salary: £45,000-£60,000 DOE + benefits

Are you an experienced Town Planner who thrives in a creative, design-focused environment? We’re representing a respected, multidisciplinary practice with a strong reputation for delivering planning and architectural solutions that genuinely enhance places and communities.

This is a key appointment for a Senior or Associate-level planner, joining a growing planning team within an established consultancy known for its collaborative culture, high-quality design ethos and diverse project portfolio.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will:

• Lead planning strategy, applications and appeals across residential, mixed-use, commercial and regeneration projects
• Act as trusted advisor to clients, helping shape development proposals from concept through to delivery
• Provide mentorship and leadership to junior planners and contribute to the growth of the planning team
• Collaborate closely with in-house architects and urban designers to create integrated and sustainable schemes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders

About the Consultancy

Our client is a design-driven consultancy combining planning, architecture and urban design under one roof. Their approach integrates creativity with commercial awareness, resulting in projects that balance local context, viability and positive placemaking.

You’ll be joining a progressive business where your voice carries weight, professional growth is supported, and there’s a genuine opportunity to shape the future of the planning function.

What We’re Looking For

• MRTPI qualified
• Experience operating at Senior or Associate level within a consultancy environment
• Proven track record leading planning projects and managing client relationships
• Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively with design and technical specialists
• Strong commercial awareness and confident communication skills

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary & benefits
• Flexible hybrid working
• Clear pathway for progression and leadership development
• Supportive, collaborative culture with a modern approach to work