At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a dynamic planning team while managing major projects.
- Company: Employee-owned consultancy known for tailored advice in the development sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Join a supportive leadership team and make a real impact in urban planning.
- Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with experience in planning and team management.
- Other info: Strong focus on wellbeing, diversity, and continuous professional development.
Location: Liverpool (Hybrid)
Penguin Recruitment is working on behalf of a well-established, employee-owned multidisciplinary planning and design consultancy to appoint an experienced Planning Director for its centrally located Liverpool office.
This is a senior leadership opportunity to take ownership of a growing regional planning team within a nationally active consultancy known for delivering tailored advice across the development sector.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will lead and further develop the Liverpool Planning Office, building on an existing and well-regarded client portfolio while helping to grow the wider business through cross-selling services across a strong multidisciplinary offer, including:
- Planning Research & Analysis
- Masterplanning & Urban Design
- Architecture
- Transport & Infrastructure
- Sustainability Engineering
- Environmental Services
The Liverpool office serves projects across the North West and Scotland and works closely with in-house design and masterplanning teams, allowing for genuinely collaborative project delivery.
You will join a close and supportive senior leadership team, with regular Director-level engagement, 1:1s with the Managing Director, and a structured review process.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and grow the Liverpool Planning team
- Provide clear leadership, mentoring and strategic direction
- Manage and oversee major planning projects including applications, appeals, Local Plans, examinations and inquiries
- Develop and strengthen existing client relationships while generating new business opportunities
- Identify and secure growth in targeted development sectors
- Take responsibility for office financial performance and resourcing
- Contribute to company-wide business strategy and senior management
- Represent the business at networking and industry events
- Assemble and lead project teams across the national office network
About You
- MRTPI qualified with a postgraduate degree in Planning
- Ideally professional experience, gained within private consultancy, public sector or client-side roles
- Proven experience managing professional planning teams
- Strong track record in business development and client leadership
- Established professional network with clear ideas for future growth
- Confident leading complex development management and policy work
- Commercially aware, collaborative and people-focused
What's on Offer
- Senior leadership role within an employee-owned organisation
- Competitive, negotiable salary
- Hybrid working with core office collaboration days
- Private healthcare, life insurance and enhanced pension options
- Generous annual leave plus gifted time off over Christmas
- Enhanced maternity scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Paid professional subscriptions
- Strong commitment to wellbeing, diversity and inclusion
- Active CPD and training programme, with Directors contributing to thought leadership and industry insight
Interested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones.
Town Planning Director in Liverpool employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Town Planning Director in Liverpool
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and connect with professionals in town planning. We canβt stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and successes in planning. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table.
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt be shy about following up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Weβve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, itβs a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Town Planning Director in Liverpool
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Town Planning Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about town planning and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this senior leadership opportunity.
Showcase Your Network: Since building client relationships is key, mention any established professional connections you have in the industry. This will demonstrate your ability to generate new business opportunities for our Liverpool office.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure youβre well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Town Planning Director role. Brush up on your knowledge of planning research, masterplanning, and urban design. Being able to discuss specific projects or case studies will show that youβre not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leadership position, itβs crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in complex planning projects. Highlight your approach to fostering collaboration and driving results within a multidisciplinary environment.
β¨Network Like a Pro
Since this role involves representing the business at industry events, be ready to discuss your professional network. Share how youβve built relationships in the planning sector and how you plan to leverage these connections for business development. This shows youβre proactive and understand the importance of networking.
β¨Align with Company Values
Research the consultancyβs commitment to wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture. This will demonstrate that youβre not just a fit for the role, but also for the company as a whole.