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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile planning projects and provide strategic advice to clients.
- Company: Well-regarded independent planning consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, leadership development, and exposure to diverse projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in town planning while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Substantial UK town planning experience and MRTPI accreditation required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on innovation and client relationships.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
Are you an experienced planning professional ready to step into a senior leadership position? We are partnering with a well-regarded, independent planning and development consultancy with offices across the UK — including Scotland and Northern Ireland — to recruit a motivated and commercially astute Associate Director to help lead and grow their practice. The firm is known for delivering high-quality planning advice across a variety of sectors, advising both public and private sector clients on complex development challenges.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage high-profile planning projects from inception through submission and determination.
- Provide senior-level planning strategy and development advice to a diverse client base.
- Act as a key client contact, building strong relationships and ensuring exceptional service delivery.
- Mentor and support more junior planners, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
- Contribute to business development, helping shape and drive strategic growth initiatives.
This is a senior role ideal for a chartered planner or senior planner ready to take on broader leadership responsibilities, influencing both project outcomes and the long-term success of the consultancy.
What We’re Looking For
- Substantial experience in UK town planning, ideally gained in consultancy or senior local government roles.
- MRTPI accreditation (or equivalent chartership) with proven delivery of complex planning approvals.
- A strategic thinker with excellent communication and client engagement skills.
- A proactive leader who can manage teams, mentor staff, and contribute to business growth.
- Strong commercial awareness, with confidence in shaping project approaches and identifying new opportunities.
Why This Role Matters
This consultancy prides itself on a personable, professional and proactive approach to planning advice — blending technical excellence with a collaborative mindset to deliver real impact for clients. You will be joining a growing team that values innovation, high standards and long-term client relationships while offering opportunities for professional and leadership development.
What You’ll Gain
- Broader leadership responsibilities within a respected planning practice.
- Meaningful influence on the direction of strategic projects and firm growth.
- Exposure to diverse planning work, from housing and renewables to complex redevelopment schemes.
- A supportive and collegial working environment with flexible working options.
Associate Director | Director of Town Planning in Batley employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director | Director of Town Planning in Batley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and local meet-ups to connect with other planning professionals. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in town planning. When you’re in interviews, use this as a talking point to demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Research common questions for senior roles in planning and practice your responses. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director | Director of Town Planning in Batley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your substantial experience in UK town planning and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your strategic thinking and leadership skills can contribute to our consultancy's growth. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of complex planning approvals you've delivered and how you've built strong client relationships. This will help us see the impact you've made in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK town planning regulations and recent developments in the sector. Being able to discuss specific projects or policies will show that you're not just a candidate, but a passionate professional who stays updated.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've fostered collaboration among junior planners. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you demonstrate your ability to inspire and guide others.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this consultancy values strong client relationships. Practice engaging with your interviewers as if they were clients. Ask insightful questions about their projects and express genuine interest in their work culture to create a positive connection.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to business development and identify new opportunities. Think about past experiences where you've successfully shaped project approaches or driven growth initiatives, and be prepared to share those insights during the interview.
