Job Title: Associate Director – Town Planning
Location: London

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an independent and forward-thinking multidisciplinary consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to join their growing Planning team in London.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a consultancy that provides exceptional planning, design, and environmental services across the UK. With a strong reputation built on regional expertise, technical excellence, and lasting client relationships, this role offers a platform for genuine career growth and impact.

The Role

As an Associate Director, you will work closely with the Regional Director of Planning to drive growth across London and the wider region. You’ll combine commercial acumen with technical expertise, taking ownership of client relationships and leading the delivery of high-profile, complex projects across sectors such as residential, commercial, and estates.

You will play a pivotal role in expanding the company’s multidisciplinary offering-building client networks, winning new work, and ensuring excellence in project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead client engagement across planning services, maintaining and developing strong relationships with new and existing clients.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities across multiple sectors.
• Manage significant and complex planning projects from inception to delivery.
• Represent the company at client meetings, networking events, and industry forums.
• Prepare and deliver winning tenders, reports, and presentations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship within the planning team, supporting professional development and collaborative working.
• Negotiate and oversee major client contracts, ensuring high-quality standards and compliance.
• Work closely with internal multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated project solutions.

About You

• MRTPI qualified or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale planning projects.
• Strong business development skills with the ability to identify and win new work.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Experience working within a consultancy environment is preferred.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach with the ability to lead by example.

Benefits Include:

Looking after your health

• Private medical insurance (Vitality Healthcare)
• BUPA medical cash plan
• Discounted gym memberships
• Employee Assistance Programme (health & financial support)

Improving your day-to-day

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement with loyalty leave
• Hybrid working environment
• Discounts and perks with top brands and retailers

Continuous reward and recognition

• Company bonus scheme
• Defined promotion windows throughout the year
• Team events and social celebrations

Protecting your future

• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Death-in-service cover

Enabling your progression

• Professional membership fees covered
• Protected CPD time and access to exclusive e-learning content
• Clear career progression framework

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on 01792362010 or email josh.jones@penguinrecruitment.co.uk.