Associate Director
Location: Manchester
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and forward-thinking planning consultancy in the appointment of a Non-Executive Associate Director to support the launch and leadership of their new Manchester office.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior planning professional to play a pivotal strategic role in expanding a respected brand into a key regional market. Our client is seeking an experienced, well-connected planner with strong stakeholder and leadership skills, and a solid understanding of the Greater Manchester business and planning landscape.
Responsibilities
Stakeholder Management
* Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks.
* Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region.
Compliance & Governance
* Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies.
* Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities.
Recruitment & Team Building
* Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office.
* Foster a collaborative, values-driven team culture.
Performance Monitoring
* Establish and track KPIs for the office’s performance and growth.
* Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness.
Planning Delivery
* Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services.
* Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice.
Qualifications
Experience
* Proven leadership in a senior planning role (private or public sector).
* Strong background in strategic planning and project delivery.
* Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Sound knowledge of planning and development practices in Greater Manchester.
* Familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks.
* Ability to make independent, well-informed decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
* Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI).
* Previous experience in a Non-Executive or advisory role.
Day-to-day
* Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks.
* Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region.
* Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies.
* Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities.
* Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office.
* Foster a collaborative, values-driven team culture.
* Establish and track KPIs for the office’s performance and growth.
* Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness.
* Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services.
* Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice.
Benefits
* Competitive remuneration (£60,000 + car allowance).
* A unique opportunity to shape and lead a new regional office.
* Flexibility to structure your involvement around other commitments.
* Work with a respected, growing consultancy making bold regional moves.
If you are interested in this role, contact Joel Bland on 01792 365006 or email at joel.bland@penguinrecruitment.co.uk
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