Associate Director – Town Planning
Sector: Planning & Design Consultancy
Reporting to: Senior Leadership
Role: Full‑Time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
We’re partnering with a dynamic, employee‑owned planning and design consultancy renowned for shaping sustainable, people‑centred places across the UK. The firm takes a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, working across planning, urban design, landscape, heritage, and environmental disciplines to deliver high‑quality outcomes for public and private sector clients.
You will join as Associate Director – Town Planning, taking a lead role in planning strategy, project delivery, and business growth. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner ready to step into senior leadership and help shape the future of a successful, value‑driven practice.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning Leadership
Lead complex planning projects, including major residential, commercial, mixed‑use, and regeneration developments;
Provide strategic planning advice in line with UK policy and local authority practice;
Ensure integration of planning with design, landscape, and environmental considerations.
Client & Stakeholder Management
Build and maintain trusted relationships with developers, local authorities, and other stakeholders;
Act as the senior point of contact on key accounts;
Advise clients on planning strategy, risk, and regulatory requirements.
Project & Commercial Management
Oversee delivery of multiple planning assignments, ensuring high quality, commercial performance, and timely execution;
Manage budgets, resources, and risk across planning projects;
Review and quality‑assure planning submissions, statements, and reports.
Team Leadership & Development
Provide leadership and mentoring to planners at all levels;
Foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive culture within the planning team;
Participate in recruitment and professional development initiatives.
Business Development
Support business growth through proposals, presentations, and sector engagement;
Represent the practice in industry networks and professional forums;
Contribute to strategic planning for expanding the planning service line.
About You
Experience & Technical Skills
Minimum 10 years’ experience in UK town planning consultancy (or equivalent public sector planning);
Proven record of managing major planning applications and statutory consents;
Strong understanding of UK planning policy, legislative frameworks, and best practices;
Experience integrating planning with design and environmental considerations.
Leadership & Client Skills
Demonstrable leadership in managing teams and high‑value client relationships;
Commercially minded with experience contributing to business growth;
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Personal Attributes
Collaborative, proactive, and solution‑focused approach;
Commitment to sustainable, people‑centred places;
Professional integrity with the ability to influence at senior levels.
What’s on Offer
A senior leadership role with real autonomy and impact;
A collaborative and supportive culture in an employee‑owned consultancy;
Exposure to high‑profile, multidisciplinary projects across the UK;
Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience;
Opportunity to shape planning strategy and contribute to organisational growth.
How to Apply
Please submit a CV and short covering note outlining your relevant experience and motivation for this role. We will respond to shortlisted candidates promptly with next steps.