Associate Director - Town Planning
Associate Director - Town Planning

Associate Director - Town Planning

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and mentor junior planners.
  • Company: Join a top national consultancy known for high-quality planning advice.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a respected team that values innovation and flexibility.
  • Qualifications: MRTPI qualification and experience in large-scale project management required.
  • Other info: Great chance for ambitious individuals to advance their careers.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Overview

Job Title: Associate Director – Town Planning
Location: Norwich

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a market-leading, multi-disciplinary consultancy specialising in environment-led Planning and Design, as they continue to grow their national Planning team.

About the Company

Our client works on projects at all scales, across urban, semi-rural and rural environments, delivering solutions across a broad range of sectors including residential development, historic sites and estates, renewable energy, infrastructure and mixed-use commercial schemes.

The business has experienced significant growth and now operates from several UK offices, supported by an agile team and a comprehensive, integrated service offering.

Their multidisciplinary expertise includes:

  • Planning
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  • Architecture
  • Arboriculture
  • Ecology
  • Archaeology & Heritage
  • Masterplanning
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Geomatics
  • Urban Design

The company is widely recognised for its collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, offering a diverse project portfolio, clear recognition of success and structured professional development. The team is actively involved in delivering some of the largest solar and battery storage schemes in the UK and Europe, alongside a strong pipeline of work across the energy, residential and infrastructure sectors.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the business is committed to supporting individual potential and long-term career progression.

The Role – Associate Director (Planning)

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially focused, client-facing Planning professional to join the business at Associate Director level. Working closely with the Regional Director of Planning, you will play a key role in supporting the continued growth of the organisation.

With a nationwide team of over 150 professionals, the company is well equipped to deliver projects at any scale. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing opportunities across a variety of sectors, including Residential, Commercial, Assets and Estates, while leading key projects and client relationships.

The Position Will Involve

  • Taking the lead on the company\\\’s client-centric agenda within the Planning discipline, both internally and externally
  • Building and maintaining strong client relationships to generate new opportunities and maximise repeat business
  • Demonstrating strong networking and business development capabilities, including building relationships across the industry and with key contacts within Local Planning Authorities
  • Identifying growth targets and establishing, consolidating and expanding new and existing client relationships
  • Contributing to winning tenders, presentations and final reports for clients
  • Using technical expertise to identify and realise client opportunities through both established and innovative approaches
  • Negotiating significant fee agreements, including managing contractual and commercial aspects
  • Managing complex and high-value projects to a consistently high standard
  • Providing technical leadership and playing a key role in projects within your specialist area

Benefits

As a valued employee, you can expect to feel well supported. The business offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • Non-contractual growth bonus scheme
  • Enhanced annual leave entitlement
  • Loyalty leave (up to 5 additional days based on continuous service)
  • Hybrid and flexible working environment
  • Centrally located offices in London, Cambridge, Norwich and Manchester
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Enhanced company pension
  • Death in service cover
  • Health cash plan
  • Protected CPD time (departmental, individual and company-wide)
  • Access to an e-learning portal
  • Professional body membership contributions
  • Clear career progression framework
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Discounts and perks including Amazon Prime, cinema tickets, Apple benefits and coffee rewards
  • Employee Assistance Programme, including financial and mental health support

Interested?

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

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Associate Director - Town Planning employer: Penguin Recruitment

Join a leading national planning consultancy in Abingdon, where you will thrive in a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. As an Associate Director - Town Planning, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects, mentor junior planners, and build strong client relationships within a supportive environment that values your expertise and ambition. With a focus on delivering high-quality planning advice across diverse sectors, this role offers a rewarding career path in a respected firm known for its commitment to excellence.
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Contact Detail:

Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Town Planning

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the town planning sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local planning meetings to connect with potential colleagues and clients. Building relationships can give you insights into the consultancy's culture and values.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the consultancy's recent projects and case studies. Understanding their approach and successes will help you tailor your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in mentoring junior planners. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led projects or contributed to team development, as this is a key aspect of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends and challenges in town planning, especially regarding local plans and appeals. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute effectively.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Town Planning

MRTPI Qualification
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Team Leadership
Business Development
Strategic Planning
Excellent Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Understanding of Local Planning Policies
Experience in Managing Complex Planning Applications
Mentoring and Coaching Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Associate Director - Town Planning position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these aspects.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your MRTPI qualification and any relevant experience in consultancy or private sector planning. Provide specific examples of large-scale projects you have managed and how you developed client relationships.

Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves mentoring junior planners and leading projects, make sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've supported team members and contributed to their professional growth.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the consultancy's values. Mention your proactive approach and how you can contribute to business growth and innovation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead projects and mentor junior planners. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully guided teams through complex planning applications.

✨Demonstrate Your Client Relationship Management

Strong client relationships are crucial in this role. Share examples of how you've developed and maintained client relationships in the past, and be ready to explain your approach to business development.

✨Highlight Your Project Management Experience

You'll need to manage a variety of planning projects from inception to completion. Discuss specific large-scale projects you've worked on, focusing on your role, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to Local Plan representations and appeals, as well as your understanding of current planning legislation. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how they apply to your work.

Associate Director - Town Planning
Penguin Recruitment

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