Associate Director

Associate Director / Technical Director - Town Planning
Location: Manchester (hybrid working available)
Type: Permanent | Full-time
Salary: Competitive + car allowance + bonus + excellent benefits

A leading global consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director or Technical Director to lead and grow its Town Planning capability in Manchester. This is a senior-level opportunity within one of the UK''s most respected planning and environmental teams, delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and development projects across multiple sectors.

With a strong pipeline of nationally significant work in transport, energy, water, and residential development, this is a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure in the North of England.

The Opportunity

• Lead and grow a team of town planning consultants based in Manchester and across the North.

• Deliver expert planning advice on major development and infrastructure schemes.

• Manage multi-disciplinary bids and complex project delivery.

• Build and maintain client relationships with public and private sector stakeholders.

• Contribute to national thought leadership around Net Zero, ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation.

• Drive business development and identify new market opportunities.

About You

• Chartered Member of the RTPI, with an RTPI-accredited degree in Town and Country Planning.

• Proven leadership experience within a consultancy or multi-disciplinary environment.

• Strong understanding of UK planning law and commercial project delivery.

• Experience managing large-scale planning applications or infrastructure projects.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and team-building skills.

• A collaborative mindset and motivation to develop new services and client relationships.

What''s on Offer

• A leadership role with a top-tier consultancy delivering nationally significant projects.

• The autonomy to grow and shape the Manchester-based planning team.

• High-profile work in energy (including offshore wind and hydrogen), rail, water, roads and housing.

• A strong, supportive culture of inclusion, innovation, and collaboration.

• Hybrid working and an excellent package including bonus, car allowance, and extensive benefits.

To apply or find out more, please contact Sofia at Penguin Recruitment on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)