At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse planning projects while mentoring junior planners.
- Company: Leading independent planning consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and bonus potential.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fun, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in town planning and shape your career path.
- Qualifications: Chartered MRTPI with strong UK town planning experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Southampton
Salary: £50,000 - £75,000 (flexible, reviewed annually)
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 - £75,000, with flexibility and annual reviews
- Flexible, hybrid working - full autonomy to shape how and where you work
- Flexible working, compressed hours, additional parental leave and part time considered
- Bonus earning potential
- 28 days’ of annual leave with 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.
Not looking to move but know someone who is? Up to £500 for successful referrals.
Associate Director in Portsmouth employer: PropSource Consulting
Join a leading independent planning consultancy in Southampton, where you can thrive in a flexible and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and mentorship. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and the autonomy to shape your role, this is an excellent opportunity for an Associate Director to lead impactful projects while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and ideas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director in Portsmouth
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you land an interview, make sure to highlight your experience with residential and commercial projects. Share specific examples of how you've led successful initiatives or mentored junior planners. This will show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a valuable asset to their team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Since this role involves shaping business strategy, come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to their growth. Think about trends in town planning and how you can leverage your skills to help them stay ahead of the game. It’ll show you’re proactive and invested in their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Associate Director role. Highlight your town planning experience, especially in residential and commercial projects, 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 leadership style aligns with our collaborative culture. Don’t forget to mention any mentoring experience!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past projects, focus on the impact you made. We want to see your proven track record in delivering complex projects and how you’ve built strong client relationships. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. 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. Let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at PropSource Consulting
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in your past projects, especially those related to residential, commercial, and regeneration sectors. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Associate Director, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or mentored junior planners in the past. Highlight your leadership style and how it contributes to a positive team culture.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing a connection with your interviewers can set you apart. Be personable and engage in conversation about their projects or the consultancy's vision. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role but also in the company’s direction and culture.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have thoughtful questions ready that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their approach to strategic land projects or how they support professional development. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and strategic thinking, which are key for this position.
