Associate ASD - Town Planning

Associate Director - PlanningLocation: Salford

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an exciting consultancy in their search for an Associate Director, to join their growing planning team based in Salford.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a key role in the delivery of complex planning projects while contributing to the strategic growth and direction of a dynamic, multidisciplinary consultancy.

As Associate Director, you will take responsibility for leading major planning projects, managing client relationships, and supporting the development of the wider planning team. The role offers a high degree of autonomy and influence across both project delivery and business development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing complex planning applications and appeals

• Providing strategic planning advice to clients across a range of sectors

• Overseeing project delivery, programme management, and quality assurance

• Managing and developing client relationships

• Supporting and mentoring junior and mid-level planners

• Contributing to business development, bids, and company growth strategies

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across land, planning, and development teams

The ideal Associate Director will have:

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline

• MRTPI status

• Extensive experience within planning consultancy, local authority, or development-led roles

• Strong leadership and project management skills

• Commercial awareness and experience managing client relationships

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

This Associate Director role offers the opportunity to join a progressive consultancy with a strong regional presence and ambitious growth plans. You'll be given real influence over projects, people, and the future direction of the business, supported by a collaborative and professional team culture.

For more information on this Associate Director opportunity in Salford, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment