Associate Director Director - Town Planning

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a respected independent planning consultancy in Edinburgh as they look to appoint an Associate Director or Director to play a pivotal role in the continued growth of the business.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious planning professional who is looking to take the next step into a senior leadership position.

Beyond leading high-profile planning projects, you will have the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the business, with equity participation available for the right individual, open to discussion.

The Opportunity

Joining an established and highly regarded planning consultancy, you will lead a diverse portfolio of projects across Scotland, providing strategic planning advice to a broad range of private and public sector clients.

You’ll work closely with clients, consultants and local authorities while mentoring junior planners, driving business development and helping shape the future growth of the practice.

This role offers genuine autonomy, excellent client exposure and a clear opportunity to become an integral part of the company’s long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects from initial feasibility through to determination.
• Prepare and review planning applications, planning statements and supporting documentation.
• Provide strategic planning advice on development opportunities, planning policy and risk.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders and local authorities.
• Represent clients at meetings, consultations and planning committees.
• Manage and mentor junior members of the planning team.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities while developing existing client relationships.
• Contribute to the strategic growth and leadership of the consultancy.

About You

To be considered, you’ll ideally have

• MRTPI accreditation with approximately 5+ years’ post‑qualification experience.
• Strong experience delivering planning projects across Scotland.
• Excellent knowledge of Scottish planning legislation and policy.
• A proven ability to manage client relationships and win new business.
• Outstanding report writing and communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Previous mentoring or leadership experience.
• Commercial awareness and a proactive approach to developing business opportunities.
• A full UK driving licence.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Genuine leadership role with significant autonomy.
• High‑quality and varied project portfolio.
• Strong career progression with the opportunity to influence business strategy.
• Potential equity in the business for the right individual, open to discussion.
• Supportive, collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.

If you’re an experienced Planner looking to step into a senior leadership role where your ideas, commercial input and ambition will be recognised and rewarded, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed).

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