Job Description
A nationally respected company is seeking a Planning Director or Associate Director with a strong track record in retail, commercial and industrial planning to join its growing Manchester team. This is a senior hire with a clear focus: delivering strategic planning advice to one of the UK's most prominent and active developer clients.
You’ll play a lead role in managing the planning needs of this high‑profile client, supporting their national property portfolio. This is a fast‑paced, commercially driven role requiring technical planning expertise, excellent client service, and a deep understanding of the retail and commercial planning landscape.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as lead planning advisor for a major UK retail client, managing a high volume of varied projects
* Provide strategic advice on site selection, planning appraisals, sequential and impact assessments, and planning risk
* Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals across England
* Collaborate closely with in‑house teams and external consultants to deliver planning outcomes efficiently
* Support wider business development and contribute to the continued growth of the retail planning offer
About You
* MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning, ideally within consultancy or retail client‑side roles
* A strong track record of delivering retail or commercial planning schemes at pace and at scale
* Proven expertise in retail policy, town centre planning, and commercial development
* Commercially minded, with excellent communication and client relationship skills
* Comfortable managing multiple projects across a national portfolio
What’s on Offer
* The chance to work with a major UK client on a retained basis, therefore no need to business develop.
* A key role within a nationally recognised planning team with retail sector depth
* A collaborative and flexible working culture, based out of central Manchester
* Competitive salary and benefits package, with room for progression
If you’re a retail‑focused planner looking for a role where your expertise will be valued and your work will have a direct commercial impact, this could be your next step.
When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com
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