Client: Independent Planning Consultancy
Location: Manchester (Central)
Role: Associate Director – Town Planning
Experience: Typically 7–10+ years
Hybrid: 2 days office, 3 from home
Remuneration: £55,000–£65,000 (DOE) plus discretionary bonus and Christmas bonus (Competitive)
An independent, boutique-style planning consultancy is looking to appoint an Associate Director to play a key role in the continued growth of their Manchester team. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior position within a highly regarded consultancy that prides itself on doing things differently — combining technical excellence with a genuinely personal and collaborative approach to planning.
Due to a strong and growing pipeline of work, they’re seeking a confident, commercially minded planning professional who is comfortable operating with a high level of autonomy. You’ll be trusted to lead projects from inception through to determination, manage client relationships, and act as a senior point of contact with local authorities and stakeholders.
From day one, you’ll work directly with clients and take ownership of projects, while also supporting and mentoring junior members of the team. You’ll work closely with an experienced, approachable leadership group who value ideas, initiative, and personality just as much as technical ability.
The consultancy delivers large-scale and exciting projects comparable to those handled by national firms, while retaining the agility, exposure, and influence that comes with a smaller team (circa 10–15 staff). As such, strong self-discipline, proactivity, and a commercial mindset are essential — you’ll be encouraged to help shape the future direction of the business rather than simply deliver instructions.
Culturally, this is a genuinely non-egotistical, non-hierarchical environment. Everyone’s voice is heard, collaboration is second nature, and the team enjoys getting involved in industry events, pub quizzes, away days, hikes, and plenty of laughs in the office.
Benefits:
- Hybrid and flexible working, with personal circumstances considered on a case-by-case basis
- 25 days annual leave
- Birthday off
- Office closure over Christmas (not deducted from annual leave)
- Private medical care
- 8% pension contribution
- Discounted gym membership
- Professional memberships paid for
If this sounds like a business where you could see yourself having real influence — commercially, technically, and culturally — let’s have a conversation about the projects, clients, and what your day-to-day could look like in this Associate Director role.