Job Title: Associate Town Planner | Associate Director
Location: Leeds (Hybrid Working Available)
Penguin 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.
This 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.
The Opportunity:
As 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.
This 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.
Key Responsibilities:
Leading major planning applications and land promotion projects
Providing expert planning advice and strategic guidance to clients
Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
Preparing and presenting reports, planning submissions and representations
Overseeing junior team members and supporting their development
Contributing to regional business planning and supporting fee proposals
Representing the business at appeal hearings, examinations, and stakeholder meetingsWhat You'll Need:
RTPI-accredited degree and MRTPI status
Significant UK consultancy or developer-side planning experience
Track record of managing projects and leading on complex planning applications
Excellent commercial awareness and confidence in client-facing situations
Strong communication skills and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
A passion for strategic planning and delivering quality outcomesWhat's On Offer:
Competitive salary and bonus scheme
Private medical insurance and other market-leading benefits
Hybrid working and flexible hours to suit your lifestyle
Paid professional subscriptions
Career development within a supportive and growing national business
Opportunity to shape the growth and direction of the Leeds and wider Northern regionInterested?
The 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)