Senior Town Planner / Associate Director

Senior Town Planner / Associate Director

Cheltenham | Hybrid Working

For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.

We’re working with a well‑established independent town planning consultancy in Cheltenham that is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Town Planner, with scope to recruit up to Associate Director level depending on experience.

This role has arisen due to a combination of ongoing workload and team development and presents an excellent opportunity to join a respected practice known for high‑quality, commercially focused planning advice and a genuinely supportive culture.

The Opportunity

You’ll be joining a busy consultancy team undertaking a wide variety of planning work, offering far more breadth than many specialist practices. The role would suit a planner who enjoys variety and autonomy but also wants to contribute to the development of others.

Key elements of the role include:

• Managing and leading planning applications, appeals, and pre‑application work
• Advising clients on planning strategy and policy with a clear commercial focus
• Working across a broad project mix, including strategic land and land promotion work
• Supporting and mentoring graduate and junior planners, helping to build depth within the team
• Maintaining strong relationships with clients and local authorities
• Contributing at a senior level to project delivery and, at AD level, wider business growth

About You

The client is deliberately flexible on background and is open to candidates from private consultancy, local authority, or mixed backgrounds. xwzovoh

You are likely to have:

• Solid experience within the UK town planning system
• Confidence managing your own caseload and working independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in supporting and guiding more junior planners
• RTPI membership (Chartered status welcomed but not essential for senior level)
• The commercial awareness expected at Senior Planner or Associate Director level

Working Pattern & Benefits

• Hybrid working: 3 days per week in the office
• Office attendance required on Tuesdays
• No requirement to attend on Wednesdays
• Office based in central Cheltenham
• Free parking provided — a rare benefit for a town‑centre location
• Competitive salary, aligned to experience and seniority
• Opportunity to join at Senior Planner or Associate Director grade

Why This Role?

• Join a consultancy with a strong regional reputation and a varied workload
• Avoid being pigeonholed into a single development sector
• Play a visible role in supporting graduates and shaping future talent
• Clear scope to grow responsibility without stepping into a rigid corporate structure
• Sensible, grown‑up approach to hybrid working and office time