Technical Director | Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment is seeking a Technical Director | Associate Director in Town Planning to lead a growing national team across the UK. You will deliver high-quality planning consultancy services, manage major bids, and drive client relationships while shaping strategy and growth.

You will play a pivotal role in delivering projects for public and private sector clients, with a strong focus on policy, planning law, and commercial performance.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of planning teams on major infrastructure and development projects.
• Strong understanding of planning policy, law, and commercial awareness.
• Experience in client relationship management and bid leadership.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with public and private sector clients.
• Growth-focused mindset with ability to identify and convert opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the national Planning team across UK projects.
• Deliver high-quality Town Planning consultancy services to clients and stakeholders.
• Manage fees, governance, and resourcing for projects and bids.
• Direct multidisciplinary bid submissions for major infrastructure schemes.
• Develop new business opportunities and strengthen existing client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

RTPI-accredited degree or postgrad in Town Planning

Job description

Job Title: Technical Director | Associate Director - Town Planning

Location: London, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Glasgow, Cambridge, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy in the appointment of a Technical Director | Associate Director - Planning.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly regarded UK planning and environmental consultancy operating at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure, development, and environmental assessment. The team works on some of the country's most significant and complex projects, helping clients respond to the challenges of climate change, Net Zero delivery, biodiversity enhancement, ESG, and rapid urbanisation.

You will be joining a collaborative and forward-thinking Planning and Environment practice with a strong national presence, working alongside multidisciplinary teams across transport, energy, infrastructure, and engineering. The business is recognised for its innovation, digital capability, and influence on major UK infrastructure and development policy and delivery.

The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in the growth and direction of the Northern Planning team, supporting continued expansion and strengthening client relationships across both public and private sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead, grow, and develop an established team of Town Planners across the UK
Deliver high-quality Town Planning consultancy services directly to clients
Manage commercial performance including fee management, governance, and resourcing
Lead major multidisciplinary bid submissions for significant infrastructure and development projects
Develop new business opportunities and strengthen existing client relationships
Oversee project delivery ensuring technical excellence, quality, and compliance at all stages
Collaborate across national planning, environmental, and infrastructure teams to drive integrated solutions
Mentor, manage, and support the development of team members, including performance reviewsRequirements:

RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning and Chartered RTPI membership
Strong consultancy background with experience in leading and developing teams
Proven track record in delivering and winning major infrastructure and development projects
Excellent understanding of planning law, policy, and procedures with strong commercial awareness
Demonstrable experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship building
Strong leadership, communication, and business development skills
A proactive, growth-focused mindset with the ability to identify and convert opportunitiesThis is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role within a highly respected consultancy shaping some of the UK's most important infrastructure and development projects.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)