Town Planner Associate Director

Aztrum; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK planning consultancy is seeking an Associate Director (Town Planning) to expand its presence in Scotland. The role combines project delivery with business development, focusing on complex planning applications and client relationships. Successful candidates will need MRTPI chartered status and significant UK planning experience. This position offers a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a hybrid working model, providing an excellent work-life balance and opportunities for career progression to director level.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on experience

Annual bonus and profit-share potential

Hybrid working model

Pension and private healthcare

25 days holiday with purchase options

Flexible hours and excellent work-life balance

Career progression to full Director level

Qualifications

• Significant UK planning experience, particularly with Scottish planning policy and processes.
• Proven track record in business development or account growth.
• Ability to lead independently and within teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex planning application strategies and appeals.
• Support major development and infrastructure projects across Scotland.
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to growth strategy.
• Mentor and support junior planning team members.

Skills

MRTPI chartered status

Business development

Excellent report writing

Communication skills

Collaboration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

Associate Director Town Planning

Edinburgh

Benefits

A leading UK and Ireland planning consultancy is seeking a commercially focused Associate Director (Town Planning) to help expand and lead its growing presence in Scotland. With a strong pipeline of major development infrastructure and energy projects this role offers the opportunity to combine project delivery with client development team leadership and strategic growth.

The Role

This is a senior leadership role focused on both project delivery and business development in the Scottish market. The successful candidate will lead applications, manage client relationships and play an active role in expanding the consultancy’s reach across public and private sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading complex planning application strategies and appeals
• Supporting major development and infrastructure projects across Scotland
• Identifying new business opportunities and contributing to bids, tenders and growth strategy
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, local authorities and key stakeholders
• Mentoring and supporting junior planning team members
• Collaborating with in‑house strategic communications experts on public engagement and consultation

What’s on Offer

This consultancy is distinct in its integrated planning and communications model, supporting clients through both the technical aspects of planning and the stakeholder engagement process. Their cross‑jurisdictional capability (UK and Ireland) gives them a unique edge in understanding different regulatory frameworks and they are known for working at the intersection of policy, commercial outcomes and place‑making.

You’ll be part of a collaborative multi‑disciplinary team that values both technical excellence and commercial acumen, with the opportunity to shape strategy and influence growth across the region.

Essential Experience

• MRTPI chartered status
• Significant UK planning experience (including Scottish planning policy and processes)
• Proven track record of business development or account growth
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Confident working independently and within leadership structures
• A collaborative entrepreneurial mindset

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• Annual bonus and profit‑share potential
• Hybrid working model (Edinburgh office base)
• Pension and private healthcare
• RTPI membership CPD fully funded
• 25 days holiday with purchase options
• Flexible hours and excellent work‑life balance
• Career progression to full Director level

To apply: Please send your CV to [e-mail] (email address not provided in the original markup).