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- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse planning projects, providing strategic advice to clients.
- Company: Reputable consultancy known for innovative thinking and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25+ days leave, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Clear career progression and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape impactful projects in town planning.
- Qualifications: 6+ years planning experience and MRTPI qualified.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Colchester
Penguin Recruitment supports a leading UK planning, development economics, and design consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to join their established team.
About the Company
This highly regarded consultancy has built a strong reputation for delivering expert planning and development advice across England and Wales. Working with major developers, housebuilders, and public sector clients, they are known for their collaborative culture, innovative thinking, and involvement in high‑profile and complex projects.
The Role
As part of the Colchester‑based planning team, you will play a key leadership role in delivering a wide range of projects. This will include strategic planning, development management, and coordinating planning applications for both private and public sector clients. You will also contribute to the continued growth and success of the office, supporting team development and strengthening client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage planning projects from inception through to delivery
- Provide strategic planning advice to a diverse client base
- Oversee development management projects and planning applications
- Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams and consultants
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Support business development and contribute to office growth
Requirements
- Minimum of 6 years’ planning experience
- MRTPI qualified
- Strong commercial awareness with experience in both forward planning and development management
- Excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
- Confident communicator with experience in client‑facing roles
- Proven project management capabilities
- Experience working within the local area is advantageous
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary package based on experience
- Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of high‑profile projects
- Clear career progression within a respected national consultancy
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Benefits Include
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing with service up to 30 days)
- Private medical insurance
- Pension scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Life assurance / Death in Service benefit
- Employee assistance programme (24/7 support)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Staff referral bonus scheme
- Retail and service discounts
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to step into a senior leadership role within a dynamic and growing consultancy, contributing to impactful projects and shaping future development.
Interested? For further information, contact Josh Jones on 01792 362 010 or josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk
Associate Director – Town Planning in Colchester employer: Penguin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director – Town Planning in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar names pop up when we’re reviewing candidates. Let’s get you that Associate Director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director – Town Planning in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your planning experience, project management capabilities, and any relevant qualifications like MRTPI. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about town planning and how your background aligns with our consultancy's values. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a confident communicator, it's essential to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to proofread for any errors. We appreciate attention to detail, especially in client-facing roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of UK planning legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss recent changes or relevant case studies will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re engaged and proactive in your field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of projects you've managed from inception to delivery. Highlight your role in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and how you overcame challenges. This will demonstrate your leadership capabilities and project management experience.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Since this role involves client-facing responsibilities, practice building rapport during the interview. Be personable and engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their projects and the company culture. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you’ve contributed to business development in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve strengthened client relationships or identified new opportunities. This will highlight your understanding of the consultancy's goals and your potential to contribute to their growth.