Technical Director / Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm is seeking a Technical Director or Associate Director in Town Planning based in the North of England. This senior role involves leading a dynamic planning team working on significant infrastructure projects such as HS2 and renewable energy initiatives. The ideal candidate will be an RTPI Chartered Planner with experience in multidisciplinary environments, possess excellent leadership and client management skills, and a passion for innovation in sustainable development. The company offers flexible working arrangements and is a platform for professional influence and development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Industry-leading employee networks

ED&I commitments

Qualifications

• RTPI Chartered Planner needed.
• Proven experience in consultancy required.
• Strong track record in complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the planning team.
• Direct high-value planning commissions.
• Manage commercial aspects of projects.

Skills

Client-facing skills

Team leadership

Commercial awareness

Collaboration

Innovation

Sustainability

Education

Degree or postgrad qualification in Town Planning

Job description

Technical Director / Associate Director – Town Planning (North of England)
Location: Flexible – offices in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield or surrounding areas

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting one of the world’s leading multi-disciplinary consultancy firms in their search for a senior-level Planning professional.

Are you ready to lead and grow a dynamic planning team working on some of the UK’s most high-profile infrastructure and development projects? Our client is a globally recognised consultancy known for driving innovation and delivering transformative projects across energy, transport, water, housing and regeneration sectors.

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

About the Role:

As a senior leader in the team, you’ll be responsible for:

• Growing and mentoring a team of town planners across the region.
• Leading high-value planning commissions and directing multidisciplinary bids for major infrastructure and development projects.
• Managing commercial and operational aspects of projects.
• Driving collaboration across national teams and contributing to business development efforts.
• Providing expert planning guidance to a wide range of clients including central and local government, utilities, developers and infrastructure providers.
• Supporting career progression and technical development of junior team members.

Key Projects Include:

• National infrastructure schemes such as HS2, Transpennine Route Upgrade, and major National 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 postgrad 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.
[e-mail] or 01792 362 010