Technical Director / Associate Director in Manchester)

Penguin Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy is seeking a Technical Director or Associate Director in Town Planning. The role entails leading and mentoring a team on high-profile infrastructure projects, contributing to business development, and influencing sustainable development practices. The position promises a dynamic environment for professionals eager to shape the future of planning with innovative approaches.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Industry-leading employee networks

ED&I commitments

Qualifications

• RTPI Chartered Planner with proven consultancy experience.
• Strong track record in leading complex infrastructure or development projects.
• Collaborative approach with focus on innovation and sustainability.

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 various clients.

Skills

Client-facing skills

Commercial leadership

Team leadership

Business development

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.