Technical Director/Associate Director

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy in planning is seeking a Technical Director / Associate Director in Cambridge to lead a team and oversee high-profile infrastructure projects. Candidates must be RTPI Chartered Planners with significant experience in consultancy settings. This role offers flexibility and opportunities for professional growth in a forward-thinking environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Industry-leading employee networks

Qualifications

• RTPI Chartered Planner designation required.
• Proven experience in consultancy or multidisciplinary environments expected.
• Strong track record in leading complex infrastructure or development projects necessary.

Responsibilities

• Grow and mentor a team of town planners across the region.
• Lead high-value planning commissions and direct multidisciplinary bids.
• Provide expert planning guidance to clients including government and developers.

Skills

Client-facing skills

Commercial leadership

Team leadership

Collaborative approach

Education

Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning

Job description

Overview

Technical Director / Associate Director - Town Planning

Location: Flexible – offices in Cambridge, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield or surrounding areas

Penguin Recruitment is supporting a world-leading multi-disciplinary consultancy in their search for a senior-level Planning professional. This role offers the opportunity to lead and grow a dynamic planning team working on high-profile infrastructure and development projects. The client is a globally recognised consultancy known for driving innovation and delivering transformative projects across energy, transport, water, housing and regeneration sectors.

You’ll join one of the UK’s top-tier planning consultancies, a team influencing the future of sustainable development, Net Zero, ESG, and Biodiversity Net Gain. They are seeking a Technical Director or Associate Director to strengthen their Planning and Environmental team in the North of England and lead regional growth.

Responsibilities

• Grow and mentor a team of town planners across the region.
• Lead high-value planning commissions and direct multidisciplinary bids for major infrastructure and development projects.
• Manage commercial and operational aspects of projects.
• Drive collaboration across teams and contribute to business development efforts.
• Provide expert planning guidance to clients including central and local government, utilities, developers and infrastructure providers.
• Support career progression and technical development of junior team members.

Key Projects Include

• National infrastructure schemes such as HS2, Transpennine Route Upgrade, and major Highways road programmes.
• Renewable energy and low carbon schemes including offshore wind, hydrogen, and nuclear.
• Strategic land and housing projects in partnership with Homes England and local authorities.
• Planning advisory work to central government and regional growth partnerships.

What We’re Looking For

• RTPI Chartered Planner with a degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
• Proven experience in consultancy or multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong track record in leading complex infrastructure or development projects.
• Excellent client-facing, commercial and team leadership skills.
• Ability to lead business development and build strategic relationships.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking approach with a passion for innovation and sustainability.

Why Join

You’ll be part of a business that offers more than just a job – this is a platform for influence, innovation, and leadership in planning. With industry‑leading employee networks, ED&I commitments, and flexible working arrangements, this is a place where you can thrive professionally and personally.

Whether your background is in strategic planning, infrastructure delivery, or client-side advisory, if you’re looking to shape the future of planning in a high‑impact role, we want to hear from you. Interested? Apply today or contact Josh at Penguin Recruitment for a confidential conversation.