Associate Director – Town Planning

Location: London

Salary: Up to £125,000

Penguin Recruitment is pleased to be assisting a highly respected multi-disciplinary consultancy with the appointment of an Associate Director of Planning.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established UK planning and environmental consultancy that is delivering innovative solutions across sustainable development, infrastructure, and environmental assessment. The organisation is involved in some of the UK’s most high-profile and complex projects, supporting clients in navigating key challenges including climate change, Net Zero, biodiversity, ESG, and continued urban growth.

You will become part of a progressive and collaborative Planning and Environment team with an established national presence. Working closely with multidisciplinary colleagues across transport, energy, infrastructure, and engineering, you will contribute to projects that are shaping the future of major UK development and infrastructure. The consultancy is well known for its innovative approach, strong digital capabilities, and contribution to planning policy and major project delivery.

The successful candidate will take on a pivotal leadership position within the Northern Planning team, helping to shape its continued growth and development while building and maintaining strong relationships with clients across both the public and private sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and further develop an established team of Town Planners across the UK
• Provide high-quality Town Planning consultancy advice and services to a diverse client base
• Take responsibility for commercial management, including fees, resourcing, governance, and financial performance
• Lead and contribute to major bids and tenders for significant infrastructure and development schemes
• Identify and develop new business opportunities while maintaining and expanding existing client relationships
• Provide oversight of project delivery, ensuring high standards of technical quality, compliance, and client service
• Work collaboratively with national planning, environmental, and infrastructure teams to deliver integrated and effective solutions
• Support the development of team members through mentoring, management, and regular performance reviews

Requirements:

• RTPI-accredited degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, alongside Chartered RTPI membership
• Significant consultancy experience, with a proven ability to lead, manage, and develop teams
• Strong track record of successfully delivering and securing major infrastructure and development projects
• Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedures, combined with strong commercial understanding
• Proven experience engaging with stakeholders and developing long-term client relationships
• Excellent leadership, communication, and business development capabilities
• A commercially focused and ambitious approach, with the ability to identify and pursue opportunities for continued growth

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Sophie Ferguson on 01792 963134 or sophie.ferguson@penguinrecruitment.co.uk