Associate Director of Planning
Location: Leeds
Reporting to: Planning Director / Managing Director
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Associate Director of Planning to lead and grow a consultancy in Yorkshire. This role will play a key part in delivering high-quality planning and development consultancy services across a diverse portfolio of projects, including renewable energy, infrastructure, minerals, waste, and commercial and residential development.
You will provide strategic leadership across projects, manage client relationships, and contribute to business growth, while ensuring successful delivery of complex planning applications and environmental assessments.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and manage a team of planners and multidisciplinary consultants, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture
- Support the strategic growth of the planning function, identifying new market opportunities and sectors
- Contribute to business development, including bid preparation, client engagement, and framework opportunities
Project Delivery
- Oversee the preparation, submission, and negotiation of complex planning applications, appeals, and consents
- Provide expert advice on planning policy, site promotion, and development strategy
- Lead large-scale and complex projects, ensuring delivery to programme, budget, and quality standards
- Direct and coordinate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and technical inputs from internal and external specialists
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, local authorities, and key stakeholders
- Lead stakeholder engagement strategies, including community consultation and public exhibitions
- Act as expert witness at hearings, inquiries, and examinations where required
Technical Expertise
- Provide high-level input into:
- Planning policy and appraisal
- Site identification and feasibility studies
- Masterplanning and development frameworks
- Landscape and environmental considerations
- Ensure all projects align with national and local planning policy and regulatory requirements
Commercial & Operational Management
- Manage project budgets, profitability, and resource allocation
- Monitor team performance and ensure efficient project delivery across multiple workstreams
- Support recruitment, mentoring, and professional development of team members
About You
Essential:
- Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a senior planning role within consultancy or development
- Proven track record delivering complex planning applications and development projects
- Strong knowledge of UK planning systems, policy, and EIA processes
- Demonstrable experience managing multidisciplinary teams and projects
Desirable:
- Experience across sectors such as renewable energy, waste, minerals, or infrastructure
- Established client network and business development experience
- Experience acting as expert witness at public inquiries
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead within an employee-owned, multidisciplinary consultancy
- Involvement in nationally significant and diverse development projects
- A collaborative culture with strong technical expertise across planning, environmental, and engineering disciplines
- Flexible working arrangements and clear progression to Director level
Role Impact
This is a pivotal leadership role within the planning team, contributing directly to the continued growth and reputation of the business. You will help shape major development projects from concept through to delivery, providing integrated, end-to-end planning solutions across the UK.