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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse planning projects while mentoring junior planners.
- Company: Join a top independent planning consultancy with a strong focus on residential and commercial projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while shaping business strategy.
- Qualifications: Chartered MRTPI with proven experience in complex planning projects and team leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and significant autonomy in your role.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Job Description
Role: Associate Director – Town Planning
Location: Reading
Salary: £50,000–£70,000 (flexible, reviewed annually)
Experience: Chartered MRTPI
My client, a leading independent planning consultancy in the UK, is seeking an Associate Planning Director to join their growing team. This is a senior, high-profile role offering the opportunity to lead projects, shape strategy, and support business growth across a strong portfolio of residential, commercial, and regeneration schemes.
The consultancy has a strong focus on residential schemes but also handles commercial projects, town centre regeneration, strategic land, and planning appeals. This is a flexible, collaborative role with opportunities for mentoring, and the chance to influence the direction of the business. Alongside taking ownership of the existing workload, there’s growing involvement in strategic land, with the flexibility to shape your role by pursuing projects and sectors that interest you most.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a portfolio of projects across residential, commercial, and regeneration sectors
- Ensure high-quality delivery on all existing workloads
- Support the leadership team in shaping business strategy and growth initiatives
- Line-manage and mentor junior planners (likely one direct report initially)
- Maintain and build strong client relationships, including advising on strategic land and growth projects
- Contribute ideas, energy, and positivity to the team culture
Note: While business development is encouraged, there are no formal BD targets, the emphasis is on delivering projects successfully and supporting growth.
Requirements:
- Chartered MRTPI with strong UK town planning experience
- Proven track record delivering major and complex projects, including planning applications and appeals
- Experience in residential-led developments, commercial schemes, town centre regeneration, and strategic land – preferred
- Confident leader and team player, with experience mentoring others
- Strong professional network and ability to develop client relationships
- Highly motivated, strategic thinker with energy and positivity
What’s on Offer:
- £50,000–£70,000, with flexibility and annual reviews plus car allowance
- Flexible, hybrid working– full autonomy to shape how and where you work (completely open to a full week of working remotely)
- Flexible working, compressed hours, additional parental leave and part time considered
- 2 bonus earning potential
- 28 days’ of annual leavewith the option to buy up to 12 more (or sell 5)
- Supportive leadership team and collaborative culture
- Fun, sociable environment with opportunities for professional development
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior level planner looking to take ownership of projects, mentor others, and make a tangible impact in a flexible and supportive environment.
📩 CPlowright@propsourceconsulting.com
💰Not looking to move but know someone who is? Up to £500 for successful referrals.
Associate Director employer: PropSource Consulting
Contact Detail:
PropSource Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the town planning sector, especially those who are already in senior roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, as building relationships can significantly enhance your chances of landing this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in UK town planning, particularly in residential and commercial sectors. Being well-informed will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field and your ability to contribute to the consultancy's growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous project experiences in detail, focusing on your leadership and mentoring roles. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed complex projects or contributed to strategic decisions, as this will showcase your suitability for the Associate Director position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for the company's culture and values during any discussions. Emphasising your alignment with their collaborative and supportive environment can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Chartered MRTPI and showcases your proven track record in delivering major and complex projects. Emphasise your leadership skills and any mentoring experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for town planning and outlines how your skills align with the key responsibilities of the Associate Director role. Mention specific projects you've led and how they relate to the consultancy's focus areas.
Showcase Your Professional Network: In your application, highlight your strong professional network and any client relationships you've developed. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute to business growth and client engagement.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your strategic thinking and how you've contributed to shaping business strategy in previous roles. This is crucial for a senior position like Associate Director.
How to prepare for a job interview at PropSource Consulting
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead projects and mentor junior planners. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Expertise
Make sure to highlight your chartered MRTPI status and your experience with complex planning applications. Be ready to provide examples of major projects you've delivered, especially in residential and commercial sectors.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since maintaining strong client relationships is key, practice building rapport during the interview. Show your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with others, as this will reflect your capability to manage client relationships effectively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
The role involves shaping business strategy and growth initiatives. Familiarise yourself with the consultancy's current projects and think about how you can contribute to their strategic direction. Be ready to share your ideas and insights during the interview.
