Job Description
Job Title: Associate Town Planner | Associate Director \n Location: Leeds (Hybrid Working Available)\n\nPenguin Recruitment is proud to be supporting a nationally recognised and fast-growing planning and design consultancy in their search for an Associate Town Planner to join their dynamic team in Leeds.\n\nThis leading consultancy has rapidly established itself as one of the top 20 planning firms in the UK, boasting a multidisciplinary team of over 50 planners working across six regional hubs. Their comprehensive service offering includes planning, socio-economics, heritage, design, and architecture. With a strong track record in strategic residential-led development, they work with major housebuilders, developers, land promoters and investment companies across the country.\n\nThe Opportunity:\n\nAs an Associate Planner, you will play a key leadership role in the North of England, helping to shape and deliver high-profile planning strategies and applications, while supporting the wider growth and success of the regional office.\n\nThis is a rare opportunity to help build something within an already successful national framework - offering autonomy, flexibility and the backing of a multidisciplinary team.
You will help mentor junior staff, lead client relationships, and contribute directly to the business development strategy in the North.\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\nLeading major planning applications and land promotion projects\nProviding expert planning advice and strategic guidance to clients\nDeveloping and maintaining strong client relationships\nPreparing and presenting reports, planning submissions and representations\nOverseeing junior team members and supporting their development\nContributing to regional business planning and supporting fee proposals\nRepresenting the business at appeal hearings, examinations, and stakeholder meetingsWhat You'll Need:\n\nRTPI-accredited degree and MRTPI status\nSignificant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience\nTrack record of managing projects and leading on complex planning applications\nExcellent commercial awareness and confidence in client-facing situations\nStrong communication skills and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset\nA passion for strategic planning and delivering quality outcomesWhat's On Offer:\n\nCompetitive salary and bonus scheme\nPrivate medical insurance and other market-leading benefits\nHybrid working and flexible hours to suit your lifestyle\nPaid professional subscriptions\nCareer development within a supportive and growing national business\nOpportunity to shape the growth and direction of the Leeds and wider Northern regionInterested?\n\nThe hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or (url removed)