Associate Director (Planning) Location: Manchester Salary: 60,000 + Car Allowance

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading independent planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to help lead the launch of their new Manchester office.

With an established reputation for delivering high-quality planning and development services across the UK, this consultancy is known for its collaborative, commercially-minded approach and its commitment to supporting clients across a wide range of sectors.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to help 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 new Manchester office. You'll act as a trusted advisor, contribute to key decisions, and represent the consultancy in the local market.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management

• Represent the business at local events and forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and the local business community.

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.

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.

Performance Monitoring

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the new office.
• Offer strategic recommendations to enhance performance and operational efficiency.

Planning Consultancy Work

• Respond to planning enquiries and manage the full scope of planning services for clients.
• Deliver fee 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.