Job Description

Technical Director / Associate Director - Town Planning (North of England)

Location: Flexible - offices in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield or surrounding areas

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to support a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy in their search for a senior-level Planning professional. Are you ready to lead and grow a dynamic planning team working on some of the UK's most high-profile infrastructure and development projects? Our client is a globally recognized consultancy known for innovation and delivering transformative projects across energy, transport, water, housing, and regeneration sectors.

You will join one of the UK's top-tier planning consultancies—a team influencing sustainable development, Net Zero, ESG, and Biodiversity Net Gain. They seek a Technical Director or Associate Director to strengthen their Planning and Environmental team in the North of England and lead regional growth.

About the Role:

• Growing and mentoring a team of town planners across the region.
• Leading high-value planning commissions and directing multidisciplinary bids for major infrastructure and development projects.
• Managing commercial and operational aspects of projects.
• Driving collaboration across teams and contributing to business development efforts.
• Providing expert planning guidance to clients including government, utilities, developers, and infrastructure providers.
• Supporting career progression and technical development of junior team members.

Key Projects Include:

• National infrastructure schemes such as HS2, Transpennine Route Upgrade, and major Highways programs.
• Renewable energy and low carbon schemes including offshore wind, hydrogen, and nuclear.
• Strategic land and housing projects in partnership with Homes England and local authorities.
• Planning advisory work for central government and regional growth partnerships.

What We're Looking For:

• RTPI Chartered Planner with a degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
• Proven experience in consultancy or multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong track record in leading complex infrastructure or development projects.
• Excellent client-facing, commercial, and team leadership skills.
• Ability to lead business development and build strategic relationships.
• A collaborative, forward-thinking approach with a passion for innovation and sustainability.

Why Join?

Be part of a business offering influence, innovation, and leadership in planning. Enjoy industry-leading employee networks, ED&I commitments, and flexible working arrangements. Whether your background is in strategic planning, infrastructure delivery, or client-side advisory, if you're eager to shape the future of planning in a high-impact role, we want to hear from you.

Interested? Apply today or contact Josh at Penguin Recruitment for a confidential conversation or (phone number removed).