Associate Director / Planning Director – DCO Infrastructure Planning
Location: Flexible UK Hybrid Working
Salary: Competitive + Benefits + Bonus
An established and growing infrastructure planning consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director or Planning Director to support the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects across the UK.
This is an opportunity to join a highly respected team working at the forefront of Development Consent Order (DCO) planning, advising clients across sectors including energy, transport, water, utilities, and major infrastructure.
The Role
The successful candidate will play a leading role in the management and delivery of complex consenting strategies for major infrastructure schemes, with particular emphasis on projects requiring consent under the Planning Act 2008.
You will work closely with clients, technical specialists, legal teams, and stakeholders to guide projects through the DCO process from early feasibility through to examination and determination.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading or supporting DCO consenting strategies for nationally significant infrastructure projects
- Managing multidisciplinary project teams and client relationships
- Coordinating planning inputs, environmental assessments, and stakeholder engagement
- Advising clients on planning risk, programme, and consenting pathways
- Supporting examination preparation including written representations, statements of common ground, and hearing attendance
- Contributing to business development, client growth, and strategic direction
- Mentoring and developing junior planning professionals
About You
Candidates are likely to have:
- Significant experience in infrastructure planning and DCO consenting
- Strong understanding of the UK planning system and Planning Act 2008 regime
- Experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects in sectors such as energy, transport, water, utilities, or regeneration
- Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commercial awareness and confidence in client-facing environments
- MRTPI qualification (or equivalent) preferred
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to work on nationally significant and high-profile infrastructure projects
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Collaborative and supportive team culture
- Strong career progression opportunities within a growing consultancy
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Exposure to industry-leading clients and complex consenting challenges
This role would suit an ambitious infrastructure planner looking to step into a senior leadership position within a specialist consultancy environment.
To apply or find out more, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.