Associate / Associate Director – Development Planning Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol or London (Hybrid Working) Competitive salary: £47,000 – £69,220 (plus £4,000 London allowance where applicable) An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Town Planner to join a leading environmental and planning consultancy at Associate or Associate Director level. This role offers the chance to work on a diverse and impactful portfolio of projects across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients. The Role You will act as a senior planning advisor, leading and delivering projects from early feasibility and planning strategy through to securing planning permission and providing post-consent support. You will play an important role within your local team while collaborating with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver integrated solutions across a wide range of sectors. Key responsibilities include: Leading planning strategy, feasibility studies, and planning applications Managing and delivering a range of development projects, including complex and large-scale schemes Building strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and local planning authorities Supporting and mentoring junior team members Contributing to business development and multidisciplinary project opportunities Advising across projects including renewable energy, infrastructure, housing, and mixed-use development Projects span sectors such as renewable energy (wind, solar, energy storage), education, sport and recreation, historic environments, agriculture and forestry, and residential development. Why Apply? Opportunity to work on high-profile and meaningful projects shaping sustainable development Collaborative, multidisciplinary working environment Employee-owned business offering a stake in the company’s success Hybrid working model (minimum two days in the office) Strong commitment to flexible working, including part-time options Competitive salary: £47,000 – £69,220 (plus £4,000 London allowance where applicable) About You Significant experience in development planning/management, ideally across both public and private sectors Proven track record of managing or leading planning applications and development projects, including large or complex schemes Strong experience in planning strategy and negotiating with local planning authorities Excellent communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills High standard of report writing with the ability to present complex issues clearly Degree (and ideally postgraduate qualification) in planning or a related discipline Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) Desirable Skills & Experience Experience across sectors such as renewables, infrastructure, housing, or mixed-use development Knowledge of wind, solar, and energy infrastructure projects Experience with DCO/NSIP (England), DNS (Wales), or Section 36 (Scotland) Understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Experience acting as an expert witness at appeals or inquiries Additional Information Full-time hours: 37.5 per week (flexible options available, minimum 30 hours) Travel required for site visits, client meetings, and inter-office collaboration Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK This is an excellent opportunity for a senior planner looking to take the next step in their career within a forward-thinking and purpose-driven consultancy. Apply now or contact Marta – marta@zodiacrecruitment.co.uk / 01792 677 005