Technical Director | Associate Director

Penguin Recruitment; Ringway; 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 the Northern Planning team and drive growth across the UK. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team and deliver high-quality planning consultancy on major infrastructure and development projects.

The role requires RTPI-accredited qualifications, Chartered RTPI membership, and a proven track record in leading teams and winning major projects. Based in a UK-wide network, collaboration is key.

Qualifications

• RTPI-accredited degree required.
• Chartered RTPI membership preferred.
• Strong consultancy background with leadership experience.

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 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.
• Mentor, manage, and support the development of team members.

Skills

Leadership

Town Planning

Client engagement

Bid management

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

Chartered RTPI

Job description

Job Title: Technical Director | Associate Director - Town Planning

Location: 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 reviews

Requirements:

• 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