Senior Town Planner/Associate Town Planner

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

Job summary

A design-led consultancy is seeking a Senior / Associate Town Planner in Manchester. This pivotal role involves leading planning strategies and mentoring junior staff within a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have MRTPI qualifications and extensive experience in managing planning projects. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary & benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Clear pathway for progression

Supportive, collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Experience operating at Senior or Associate level within a consultancy environment.
• Proven track record leading planning projects.
• Ability to collaborate with design and technical specialists.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy and applications across various projects.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients.
• Provide mentorship to junior planners.

Skills

MRTPI qualified

Leadership

Client relationship management

Creative thinking

Collaborative working

Commercial awareness

Communication skills

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