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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategies and manage complex projects in a dynamic consultancy.
- Company: Join a well-established planning consultancy driving growth across the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, 27 days leave, hybrid working, and birthday off.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture with genuine support for career progression.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning, chartered membership, and significant UK consultancy experience required.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available for suitable candidates.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a nationally recognised and forward-thinking planning consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Planning Director / Planning Director to play a key role in the continued growth of its Birmingham office.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious planning professional looking to shape regional strategy, develop new business opportunities, and lead the delivery of major planning projects across the UK.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will join a consultancy with ambitious growth plans and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality planning advice on complex and high-profile schemes. Projects include urban regeneration initiatives and major mixed-use sustainable urban extensions, working with national housebuilders, land promoters, and landowners.
You will become a key member of the regional leadership team, helping to drive business growth while mentoring and developing planning colleagues.
The Role
As Associate Planning Director / Planning Director, you will:
- Play a central role in the growth strategy of the Birmingham office
- Identify, secure, and deliver new development opportunities
- Lead major planning applications and appeals for large-scale mixed-use schemes
- Provide strategic planning advice to a diverse client base
- Manage and inspire a high-performing planning team
- Maintain and develop strong client relationships
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality work to agreed timescales
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you will have:
- A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
- Significant experience within a planning consultancy environment
- A strong understanding of UK planning policy and regulatory frameworks
- Proven experience preparing and managing planning applications and appeals
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- A strong track record of delivering work to tight deadlines
- RTPI membership
What’s on Offer
- Highly competitive salary and benefits package
- Private medical insurance
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day off for your birthday
- Hybrid working from a central Birmingham hub
- A culture of trust, autonomy, and professional empowerment
- The opportunity to join a vibrant, ambitious consultancy and influence long-term business strategy
- Support from experienced and approachable senior leadership
Interested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on 01792361770 or email josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk.
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Associate Director | Planning Director employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director | Planning Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who are already working in Birmingham. Attend local planning events or seminars to make connections and learn about the latest trends in urban development.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the consultancy's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only help you during discussions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in their operations and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully guided projects or mentored junior staff, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders in the Birmingham planning scene. Understanding who the major players are can help you articulate how you would strengthen relationships and contribute to business development.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director | Planning Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in planning consultancy, particularly any leadership roles or significant projects you've managed. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your understanding of the UK planning policy. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and managing client relationships, emphasise your leadership experience and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams or projects in the past.
Showcase Business Development Experience: If you have experience in identifying new business opportunities or contributing to growth strategies, make sure to include this in your application. This will demonstrate your ability to support the consultancy's ongoing growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to mentor junior staff and manage client relationships.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects the consultancy is involved in, such as urban regeneration and mixed-use developments. Being able to discuss these projects intelligently will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to UK planning policy and development processes. Brush up on your knowledge and be ready to provide expert advice on complex planning matters, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Business Development Acumen
Since the role involves identifying new business opportunities, think of ways you've contributed to growth strategies in previous positions. Be prepared to discuss how you can help expand the consultancy's network and client base.
