Associate Town Planner – Associate Director – Town Planning

Overview

In this senior role, you will lead planning projects and client relationships within a well-established planning consultancy. You will shape strategy, drive growth, and mentor junior professionals while delivering expert planning advice across residential, commercial, and rural developments. The position offers autonomy and a collaborative environment with a clear path to influence the business direction. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to win new work and represent clients at hearings and consultations. This is an opportunity to impact a growing consultancy with a strong reputation in the sector.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Career progression and long-term development
• Supportive, entrepreneurial and collaborative environment
• Opportunity to influence the future of a respected consultancy
• Diverse, high-quality project portfolio

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a broad range of planning applications, appeals, and development projects
• Provide strategic planning advice to private sector clients
• Manage key client relationships and act as trusted advisor
• Identify and secure new business opportunities to support growth
• Represent clients at meetings, hearings, and public consultations as required
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level planning professionals
• Contribute to leadership and strategic direction of the business

Key requirements

• MRTPI qualified with significant post-qualification experience
• Experience in a planning consultancy environment
• Strong technical knowledge of the UK planning system and planning policy
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client management skills
• Demonstrated experience in business development and winning new work
• Leadership experience and ability to manage and inspire teams
• For Director-level candidates, an established network of contacts and track record of generating business (advantageous)

• communication
• negotiation
• client management
• leadership
• MRTPI
• strong technical knowledge of the UK planning system and planning policy

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