Associate Town Planner | Associate Director Location: Edinburgh or Glasgow Penguin Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a well-regarded multidisciplinary consultancy as they look to appoint an experienced Associate / Associate Director Town Planner to their established Planning and Environment team in Scotland. This is a fantastic opening for a driven, commercially aware planning professional seeking a senior role within an expanding consultancy, with exposure to a varied portfolio of prominent projects spanning the energy, infrastructure, transport and defence sectors. You will be central to delivering planning services, building client relationships and helping to drive the continued growth of the wider team. The role offers real scope to shape projects, lead multidisciplinary teams and progress your career to the next level. The Role In the position of Associate / Associate Director Town Planner, you will be responsible for: Leading and overseeing a diverse workload of planning applications and their supporting documentation. Offering strategic planning guidance to a broad range of private sector clients. Shaping and delivering planning strategies from initial concept through to completion. Owning key client relationships and serving as a trusted planning advisor. Spotting new business opportunities and helping the planning team to grow. Working alongside multidisciplinary technical specialists to coordinate planning inputs. Acting on behalf of clients at meetings, public consultations, hearings and other stakeholder events. Coaching, supporting and developing junior and mid-level planners. Taking ownership of project delivery, commercial performance and client satisfaction.Requirements To be considered for this Associate / Associate Director Town Planner role, you will ideally bring: Chartered membership of the RTPI (MRTPI). A Town Planning degree or another RTPI-accredited qualification. Substantial post-qualification experience in a planning consultancy or comparable setting. Sound technical understanding of the UK planning system, planning policy and development management. A track record of managing complex planning applications and delivering projects across multiple sectors. Outstanding communication, negotiation and client relationship management abilities. Experience leading teams, mentoring colleagues and juggling multiple projects. A commercial mindset with a keen interest in business development and strengthening client relationships.Familiarity with Section 36 and Section 37 applications, Development Consent Orders (DCOs) or major infrastructure projects would be a bonus, though it is not essential. What's on Offer? Competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package. Flexible, hybrid working. Strong prospects for career progression. Continuous professional training and development. Robust mentoring and leadership support. The chance to contribute to nationally significant projects. A collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.Location This position can be based in either Edinburgh or Glasgow, and applications are also welcome from candidates elsewhere in Scotland who are able to work flexibly. Interested? The hiring manager is keen to meet suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you match the above criteria, please get in touch with Sophie Ferguson on (phone number removed) or (url removed)
Associate Planner | Associate Director - Town Planning in Edinburgh employer: Penguin Recruitment
Join a dynamic and growing independent building services consultancy in London, where you will enjoy a competitive salary and hybrid working flexibility. Our supportive and inclusive team culture fosters professional growth, offering you the chance to take ownership of technically challenging projects while directly engaging with clients. With a strong focus on sustainable design, this is an excellent opportunity for an Electrical Design Engineer looking to make a meaningful impact in their career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Planner | Associate Director - Town Planning in Edinburgh
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Penguin Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Associate Planner | Associate Director - Town Planning at Penguin Recruitment.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
