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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and build strong client relationships.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy known for its collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on diverse projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning and strong networking skills required.
- Other info: Great career progression and a supportive work environment.
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.
Associate Director - Town Planning in Norwich employer: Penguin Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Penguin Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Town Planning in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the role. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to make it personal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces when we’re reviewing candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Town Planning in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Director role. Highlight your client-facing experience and any relevant projects you've led, as this will show us you're a great fit for our team.
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. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Networking Skills: Since building client relationships is key in this role, share examples of how you've successfully networked in the past. Whether it's through industry events or collaborations, let us know how you can bring those skills to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of town planning, especially those mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of environmental impact assessments, urban design, and the latest trends in renewable energy projects. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Since building client relationships is crucial for this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully networked in the past. Think about specific instances where you’ve developed strong connections with clients or local planning authorities. This will demonstrate your ability to generate new opportunities and maintain existing ones.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to planning and project management. Review your past projects and be ready to discuss your approach to managing complex, high-value projects. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve contributed to winning tenders or presentations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company’s future and your potential role in it. Inquire about their current projects, growth targets, or how they support professional development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
