Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic development and operations of a new office in Manchester.
- Company: Join a growing organisation making a meaningful impact in the planning sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a new office while engaging with local stakeholders and communities.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualification and significant experience in senior planning roles required.
- Other info: Ideal for experienced professionals seeking strategic involvement without full-time commitment.
Job Title: Associate Director/Director
Please double check you have the right level of experience and qualifications by reading the full overview of this opportunity below.
Location: Manchester
Salary: up to £75,000 + Car Allowance
A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced planning professional to play a leading role in the strategic development of a newly established office in Manchester. This position is ideal for someone looking to make a meaningful impact while contributing to the expansion of a growing organisation.
The Associate Director or Director will provide strategic guidance and leadership to support the operational effectiveness and business development of the Manchester office. This role requires a dynamic individual with a strong planning background, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a deep understanding of the local market.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Governance
·Provide high-level oversight to ensure smooth operations of the new office.
·Ensure full compliance with local planning regulations, legislation, and internal policies.
·Report regularly to the Managing Director on progress, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement
·Represent the organisation at regional events and forums.
·Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, business networks, and community stakeholders.
Operational Performance
·Define and monitor KPIs to measure office success and operational impact.
·Provide ongoing strategic insight to optimise planning services and operational delivery.
Planning Consultancy
·Deliver a full range of planning and development services to clients.
·Manage the end-to-end planning process, from initial appraisal and fee proposal through to application submission, appeals, and policy advice.
·Respond to planning enquiries and contribute to the delivery of comprehensive planning strategies.
Candidate Profile:
·Significant experience in a senior leadership or associate director-level planning role.
·MRTPI qualification (essential).
·Deep understanding of the Manchester planning landscape and regulatory framework.
·Strong strategic planning, project management, and interpersonal skills.
·Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and collaborative working.
·Able to operate independently and contribute effectively in a non-executive capacity.
·Prior experience in a non-executive role is desirable.
What\’s on Offer:
·Competitive remuneration package (£60K + car allowance). xiskglj
·Opportunity to shape and lead the direction of a new office in a key regional hub.
·Flexible, non-executive role suited to experienced professionals seeking strategic involvement without full-time commitment.
Reference – 64489
Associate Director employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local planning landscape in Manchester. Attend local planning events or forums to network and gain insights into current trends and challenges in the area.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your stakeholder engagement skills by actively connecting with local authorities and business networks. Building these relationships can demonstrate your commitment to collaboration and community involvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic leadership experience in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led projects or initiatives, particularly in a planning context, to showcase your capability for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and recent developments. Being knowledgeable about their mission and how you can contribute to their growth will help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Associate Director position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant experience in senior leadership or associate director-level planning roles. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Given the importance of stakeholder engagement in this role, provide examples of how you have successfully built and maintained relationships with local authorities and business networks in your previous positions.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the Manchester planning landscape and regulatory framework. Mention your MRTPI qualification and how it equips you for this role, ensuring your application stands out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Understand the Local Planning Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Manchester planning regulations and local market dynamics. Being able to discuss specific challenges and opportunities in the area will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your strategic leadership and governance skills. Discuss how you've successfully overseen operations and driven performance in previous positions, as this is crucial for the Associate Director role.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with local authorities and community stakeholders. Share specific instances where your engagement led to successful outcomes, as this will be key in representing the organisation effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Insight
Think about how you can contribute to the operational performance of the new office. Prepare to discuss how you would define and monitor KPIs, and provide strategic insights to optimise planning services, showcasing your proactive approach.
