Manchester
Environment
Permanent | Full Time
ASAP
23/06/2025
14/07/2025
Associate Director (Planning)
Location: Manchester
Salary: £60,000 + Car Allowance
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to help lead the launch of their new Manchester office.
With an established reputation for delivering high-quality planning and development services across the UK, this consultancy is known for its collaborative, commercially-minded approach and its commitment to supporting clients across a wide range of sectors.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to help shape the direction of a new regional presence and make a significant impact during an exciting period of growth.
The Role
As Associate Director (Planning) - Non-Executive, you will provide strategic oversight and leadership to ensure the operational effectiveness of the new Manchester office. You'll act as a trusted advisor, contribute to key decisions, and represent the consultancy in the local market.
Key Responsibilities
Stakeholder Management
* Represent the business at local events and forums.
* Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and the local business community.
Compliance and Governance
* Ensure all office operations align with local planning regulations and internal policies.
* Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, highlighting key opportunities and challenges.
Recruitment and Team Building
* Support the recruitment and onboarding of the new Manchester team.
* Foster a collaborative and professional culture aligned with the consultancy's values.
Performance Monitoring
* Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the new office.
* Offer strategic recommendations to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
Planning Consultancy Work
* Respond to planning enquiries and manage the full scope of planning services for clients.
* Deliver fee proposals, conduct site appraisals, submit planning applications and appeals, and advise on planning policy and development strategy.
Experience Required
* Proven experience in a senior planning leadership role.
* Strong strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* In-depth knowledge of the Manchester and North West planning landscape.
* Sound understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements.
* Ability to make autonomous, well-informed decisions.
* MRTPI qualification (essential).
* Prior non-executive or advisory experience (desirable).
What's on Offer
* Competitive remuneration package (£60K + car allowance)
* Strategic advisory position with high-level influence
* Opportunity to shape and support a major regional expansion
Interested?