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- Tasks: Lead planning projects, manage client relationships, and mentor junior planners.
- Company: Join a respected consultancy known for innovative planning solutions across various sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, performance bonuses, and a clear path to Director-level roles.
- Why this job: Be part of ambitious projects, contribute to strategic planning, and thrive in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: MRTPI chartered with 10+ years in UK planning; strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and APC support for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead complex planning projects at a respected, design-led consultancy based in central Manchester with flexible hybrid working options. Shape strategy, guide clients, and mentor junior planners. Excellent package with scope for further progression.
ABOUT THE CLIENT: Our client is a well-established planning and design consultancy, delivering expert planning advice and strategy across sectors including green infrastructure, commercial, mixed-use, and residential. Known for their collaborative approach and planning insight, they work on some of the UK’s most ambitious and challenging development projects. Due to sustained growth, they are now seeking an Associate Director – Town Planning to join their Manchester office and help lead the team into its next phase of success.
THE BENEFITS:
- Salary up to £60,000 depending on experience
- Hybrid working model and flexible hours
- Annual performance bonus
- Clear pathway to Director-level progression
- Supportive and inclusive team culture
- APC support and structured CPD
- Strategic input across multidisciplinary teams
THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – TOWN PLANNING ROLE: You’ll take a lead role in delivering planning strategy for a range of high-profile projects across the North and nationally. This will involve managing client relationships, preparing and overseeing planning applications and appeals, and offering expert advice at all stages of the development lifecycle. You’ll also contribute to business development, lead internal project teams, and provide mentorship to junior planners. This role combines hands-on planning work with leadership, commercial awareness, and strategic thinking.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – TOWN PLANNING ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
- MRTPI chartered with a strong track record in consultancy or client-side planning
- At least 10 years’ professional experience within the UK planning system
- Demonstrable experience leading planning applications and appeals
- Confident managing clients, stakeholders, and project teams
- Strong commercial awareness and interest in business development
- Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills
TO BE CONSIDERED: Please either apply through this advert or email me directly. For further information, please call me on 07881 244 212. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.
Associate Director - Planning employer: Hirecracker
Contact Detail:
Hirecracker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who are already working at a senior level. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the consultancy's culture and projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific projects that the consultancy has been involved in, particularly those related to green infrastructure and mixed-use developments. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of their work during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve successfully mentored junior planners in the past. Highlight specific examples where your guidance led to successful project outcomes or improved team performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commercial awareness by being ready to discuss how you can contribute to business development. Think of innovative ideas or strategies that could help the consultancy grow its client base or enhance its service offerings.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and essential skills required for the Associate Director – Town Planning position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your 10+ years of professional experience within the UK planning system. Provide specific examples of your work leading planning applications and appeals, as well as any relevant consultancy or client-side experience.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring junior planners and leading project teams, make sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed client relationships and contributed to business development.
Craft a Persuasive Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your passion for town planning and your understanding of the consultancy's collaborative approach. Use clear and persuasive language to make your case.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hirecracker
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your 10+ years of experience in the UK planning system. Prepare specific examples of complex projects you've led, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships and oversee planning applications.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead teams and mentor junior planners. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams through challenging projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a past project to showcase your communication abilities.
✨Understand Business Development
Since the role involves contributing to business development, brush up on your knowledge of the consultancy's market and potential growth areas. Be prepared to discuss how you can help the company expand its client base and enhance its services.
