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- Tasks: Lead diverse planning projects and mentor junior staff in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join a well-established consultancy known for impactful planning solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and access to professional training programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference on high-profile projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with experience in large-scale planning projects and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible part-time options available for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Associate Director – Town Planning
Locations: Abingdon, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester (Hybrid Working Available)
Level: Associate / Associate Director
Sector: Town Planning / Infrastructure Planning
Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Part-Time options)
An established multi-disciplinary consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director to join its growing national Development & Infrastructure Planning team. With opportunities available across multiple UK offices, this is a pivotal role suited for a commercially minded planner with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering high-quality planning solutions across a diverse range of projects.
What\’s on Offer:
* Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
* Hybrid working as standard, with flexible arrangements available.
* Access to industry-recognised professional training and leadership development programs.
* A flat and collaborative team structure, fostering innovation and cross-sector learning.
* Opportunity to work on high-profile, nationally significant projects with real impact.
About the Role
Working as part of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary planning team, you will lead the delivery of complex planning applications across a wide spectrum of sectors including residential, commercial, logistics, energy, major infrastructure, data centres, retail, and aviation. You\’ll contribute to business development, manage client relationships, and mentor junior planners. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence strategy and project delivery in a firm where planning is central to long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage planning projects of varying scale and complexity.
* Develop and maintain client relationships, identifying and securing new business.
* Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.
* Prepare and review planning applications, Local Plan representations, appeal statements, and EIA documents.
* Provide input into tender submissions and fee proposals.
* Support public inquiries, Local Plan examinations, and major consultations.
* Oversee project resourcing, finances, and compliance with client expectations.
About You:
* MRTPI qualified (or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
* Proven experience leading on large-scale planning projects, including infrastructure and energy developments.
* Strong understanding of UK planning policy and legal frameworks.
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
* Commercial acumen with a strong client focus.
How to Apply:
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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 in Bristol)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the town planning sector, especially those who are already working in leadership roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the consultancy's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in past roles. Highlight specific examples where you've mentored junior staff or led complex projects to showcase your suitability for the Associate Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current UK planning policies and legal frameworks. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to the firm's strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Town Planning in Bristol)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in town planning, particularly in leading large-scale projects. Emphasise your MRTPI qualification and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for town planning and your leadership skills. Mention specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to manage complex planning applications and develop client relationships.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as negotiation, communication, and commercial acumen. Provide examples of how you've successfully mentored junior staff or contributed to team development in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of UK Planning Policy: Demonstrate your knowledge of UK planning policy and legal frameworks in your application. This could be through discussing your experience with Local Plan representations or EIA documents, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead teams and projects. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you managed teams, and the outcomes of those projects. Highlight any mentoring roles you've taken on, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong client focus and the ability to identify new business opportunities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed client relationships in the past and contributed to business growth. This will show your understanding of the commercial aspects of planning.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current UK Planning Policies
Given the importance of UK planning policy in this role, make sure you're up-to-date with the latest regulations and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how these policies impact project delivery and your approach to navigating them in your previous work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to planning applications, EIA documents, and Local Plan representations. Brush up on your knowledge in these areas and be ready to provide detailed answers or examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise.
