Job Title: Associate Director - Town Planning
Location: Colchester
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Director for its growing Colchester planning team.
Our client is a highly respected multidisciplinary consultancy with an established reputation across planning, development economics, and design. Known for its collaborative culture and high-quality project work, the business advises major developers, housebuilders, land promoters, and public sector organisations on complex and prestigious schemes across England and Wales.
This opportunity would suit an experienced Planner operating at Principal Planner, Associate, or Associate Director level who is looking to take the next step within a successful and expanding office.
The Role
As part of the Colchester Planning team, the successful candidate will contribute to and lead on the delivery of significant projects involving strategic planning, development management, and planning project coordination for a broad range of private and public sector clients.
The role will involve:
Leading and managing a varied portfolio of planning projects
Providing strategic planning advice to clients and stakeholders
Managing client relationships and supporting business development activities
Preparing and reviewing planning appraisals, applications, and appeals
Mentoring and supporting junior members of the planning team
Contributing to the continued growth and success of the Colchester office
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate will:
Hold MRTPI accreditation
Have a minimum of 6 years' professional planning experience
Possess a strong understanding of both forward planning and development management
Demonstrate excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy
Have strong analytical, report writing, and communication skills
Be confident in client-facing situations and project management responsibilities
Ideally have experience working within the local area and regional market
Be commercially aware and motivated to contribute to business growth
Benefits
Competitive salary package
Hybrid working arrangements
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service up to 30 days
Private medical insurance
Salary sacrifice pension scheme
Life assurance / Death in Service benefit
Cycle to work scheme
Employee assistance programme
Retail and lifestyle discounts
Staff referral bonus scheme
Staff discounts on property and financial services
Friendly and collaborative working environment with excellent career progression opportunities
Interested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)