Town Planner - Director Of Planning

Carrington West; Leeds; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in the UK is looking for a Technical Director / Associate Director in Town Planning. This leadership role involves mentoring a team and delivering high-quality planning services for major infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate should be a Chartered Member of the RTPI with strong consultancy experience. Flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous benefits

Long-term career opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience in consultancy or a client-facing planning environment.
• Excellent working knowledge of UK planning policy, procedures, and legislation.
• Proven ability to lead major projects and manage multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, grow, and mentor a team of Town Planning professionals across Northern England.
• Deliver high-quality planning services for major infrastructure and development schemes.
• Drive new business development and nurture key client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Client engagement

Excellent communication

Project management

Education

Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification

Chartered Member of the RTPI

Job description

Overview

Technical Director / Associate Director - Town Planning

Location: North of England (Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield - Hybrid/Flexible)

Salary: Highly competitive + bonus + car allowance

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Technical Director or Associate Director of Town Planning to join one of the UK's most progressive and influential planning consultancies. This is a key leadership role within a well-established, multidisciplinary team delivering nationally significant infrastructure and development projects.

This role is part of a highly respected Planning & Environment team, helping shape major schemes across sectors including transport, energy, water, and housing while addressing climate change, Net Zero, ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain, and digital transformation. The organisation is at the forefront of thought leadership in planning, sustainability, and infrastructure development.

The Opportunity: This is a growth-focused leadership position for an experienced planning professional with a strong track record in the infrastructure and development sectors. You will be instrumental in expanding the Northern team’s reach, driving new business, and delivering high-impact consultancy across the public and private sectors. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the UK and influence government thinking on major policy areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, grow and mentor a team of Town Planning professionals across Northern England
• Deliver high-quality planning services for major infrastructure and development schemes
• Manage commercial aspects of projects, including resourcing, costing, and governance
• Lead multidisciplinary bids and proposals for new work
• Drive new business development and nurture key client relationships
• Work closely with technical teams in transport, energy, water, housing and environmental consultancy
• Represent the team externally at events, conferences and within the wider industry
• Support a collaborative, inclusive and high-performance team culture

About You

• Chartered Member of the RTPI with a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification
• Strong experience in consultancy or a client-facing planning environment
• Excellent working knowledge of UK planning policy, procedures and legislation
• Proven ability to lead major projects and manage multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated success in business development and client engagement
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent the team at a senior level
• A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, with a genuine passion for planning and sustainability

Why Apply?

• Join a nationally renowned team that\'s influencing infrastructure and policy at the highest levels
• Work on diverse, high-profile projects across the UK
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements, with offices in major cities including Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield
• Be part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration and professional development
• Excellent salary, generous benefits, and long-term career opportunities

Interested?

This is a rare opportunity to join a top-tier planning consultancy at a senior level. If you\'re ready to make a significant impact, apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation. Email (url removed) or call (phone number removed)

Reference - 57106