Job Description
Associate Director (Planning)
Location: Manchester
Salary: £60,000 + Car Allowance
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to support a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to help launch their new Manchester office. Known for delivering high-quality planning and development services across the UK, this consultancy values a collaborative, commercially-minded approach and is committed to supporting clients across various sectors.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to shape the direction of a new regional presence and make a significant impact during an exciting period of growth.
The Role
As Associate Director (Planning) - Non-Executive, you will provide strategic oversight and leadership to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Manchester office. You will act as a trusted advisor, contribute to key decisions, and represent the consultancy in the local market.
Key Responsibilities
1. Stakeholder Management: Represent the business at local events and forums. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and the local business community.
2. Compliance and Governance: Ensure all office operations align with local planning regulations and internal policies. Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, highlighting key opportunities and challenges.
3. Recruitment and Team Building: Support the recruitment and onboarding of the new Manchester team. Foster a collaborative and professional culture aligned with the consultancy's values.
4. Performance Monitoring: Define and monitor KPIs for the new office. Offer strategic recommendations to enhance performance and operational efficiency.
5. Planning Consultancy Work: Respond to planning enquiries, manage the full scope of planning services for clients, deliver proposals, conduct site appraisals, submit planning applications and appeals, and advise on planning policy and development strategy.
Experience Required
* Proven experience in a senior planning leadership role.
* Strong strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* In-depth knowledge of the Manchester and North West planning landscape.
* Sound understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements.
* Ability to make autonomous, well-informed decisions.
* MRTPI qualification (essential).
* Prior non-executive or advisory experience (desirable).
What's on Offer
* Competitive remuneration package (£60K + car allowance)
* Strategic advisory position with high-level influence
* Opportunity to shape and support a major regional expansion
Interested? To apply or find out more, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on [phone number removed] or email [url removed] in confidence.
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