Associate Director in Leeds

We're recruiting for an Associate Director-level planning professional to take a leading role in developing a growing consultancy's presence in Leeds and across the wider Yorkshire region. This is an opportunity for an experienced planning consultant who is ready to take ownership of a regional operation, build strong client relationships and play a key role in winning new business.

You'll have the autonomy to shape the Leeds presence while being supported by an established wider planning team, including junior resource and colleagues based across the business. Based from a shared office space in Leeds, you'll act as a senior representative of the consultancy across the region. You'll be expected to confidently lead client relationships, develop new opportunities, attend networking and industry events, and represent the business independently in the Yorkshire market.

While the role offers significant autonomy, you won't be working in isolation. You'll be part of a wider planning team, with regular team meetings, shared resources and expertise, as well as regular contact with colleagues across the business. There will also be periodic travel to Kent and London to meet with colleagues and attend wider business meetings.

The role

As Associate Director, you'll have a broad remit combining senior planning consultancy, client management, business development and regional growth. Key responsibilities will include:

• Take a senior leadership role in establishing and developing the consultancy's presence in Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
• Act as a key representative of the business, building a strong profile and reputation across the local market.
• Lead the delivery of high-quality planning advice and complex project work for clients.
• Develop and maintain senior-level client relationships, acting as a trusted planning adviser.
• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities, taking ownership of business development across the region.
• Represent the consultancy at client meetings, networking events, industry gatherings and professional forums.
• Use your existing Yorkshire network and market knowledge to generate new instructions and develop long-term client relationships.
• Help shape the future growth of the Leeds team, including identifying resource requirements and supporting the recruitment of additional team members as the business develops.
• Provide guidance and support to junior colleagues and contribute to the development of the wider planning team.
• Contribute to the wider strategic direction and growth of the consultancy.
• Raise the business's profile through networking, speaking opportunities, articles, professional bodies and other relevant industry activity.
• Travel periodically to Kent and London to maintain strong relationships with the wider team and contribute to company-wide initiatives.

About you

We're looking for an experienced planning professional who combines strong technical planning expertise with commercial awareness, leadership capability and a proven ability to develop relationships and win work.

Essential

• Significant experience working within a private planning consultancy.
• Experience operating at Associate Director, Senior Associate or equivalent level.
• Strong track record of delivering planning advice and managing complex projects and client relationships.
• Commercially minded, with experience of business development, winning work and developing client accounts.
• Established network and knowledge of the Leeds/Yorkshire planning market.
• Strong understanding of relevant local authorities and the regional development landscape.
• Confident representing a consultancy independently with clients, local authorities and other senior stakeholders.
• A self-starter with the leadership and initiative to help build and grow a regional operation.
• Able to commute to Leeds regularly and willing to travel to Kent and London periodically.

Desirable

• Chartered membership of the RTPI.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior planning professionals.
• Experience working within or alongside a local authority.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why this opportunity?

This role is suited to someone who wants to make their mark rather than inherit an established patch. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of the Leeds market, develop your own client base, influence the direction of the regional operation and ultimately help build a team around you.