Associate Director - Planning
Location: Salford
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an exciting consultancy in their search for an Associate Director, to join their growing planning team based in Salford.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a key role in the delivery of complex planning projects while contributing to the strategic growth and direction of a dynamic, multidisciplinary consultancy.
The Role
As Associate Director, you will take responsibility for leading major planning projects, managing client relationships, and supporting the development of the wider planning team. The role offers a high degree of autonomy and influence across both project delivery and business development.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading and managing complex planning applications and appeals
Providing strategic planning advice to clients across a range of sectors
Overseeing project delivery, programme management, and quality assurance
Managing and developing client relationships
Supporting and mentoring junior and mid-level planners
Contributing to business development, bids, and company growth strategies
Working collaboratively with colleagues across land, planning, and development teams
About You
The ideal Associate Director will have:
A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline
MRTPI status
Extensive experience within planning consultancy, local authority, or development-led roles
Strong leadership and project management skills
Commercial awareness and experience managing client relationships
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Why Apply?
This Associate Director role offers the opportunity to join a progressive consultancy with a strong regional presence and ambitious growth plans. You'll be given real influence over projects, people, and the future direction of the business, supported by a collaborative and professional team culture.
For more information on this Associate Director opportunity in Salford, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment