Senior Town Planner/Associate Town Planner

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

Job summary

A design-led consultancy in Manchester is seeking a Senior/Associate Town Planner to lead diverse planning projects. The role includes mentoring junior staff and collaborating with design specialists. Candidates should be MRTPI qualified with a strong track record in client relationship management and project leadership. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and a supportive culture that encourages professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible hybrid working

Clear pathway for progression

Supportive culture

Qualifications

• Experience at Senior or Associate level within a consultancy environment.
• Proven track record leading planning projects.
• Confident communication skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy, applications, and appeals across various projects.
• Mentor junior planners and contribute to team growth.
• Collaborate with architects and urban designers.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship management

Creative thinking

Collaborative work

Education

MRTPI qualification

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