Associate Director

Job Title: Associate Planner Location: Leeds Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a respected planning consultancy in their search for an Associate Planner to join their Leeds office. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Associate Planner to take on a leadership role within a growing consultancy, overseeing a team while managing a diverse portfolio of planning projects across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. The successful candidate will play a key role in team management, project delivery, and the continued growth of the business. THE ROLE As an Associate Planner, you will lead on a range of planning projects from initial strategy through to submission and determination. You will oversee and support junior team members, manage project delivery, and maintain strong client relationships, establishing yourself as a key figure within the Leeds office as an Associate Planner. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Leading and managing planning applications and projects * Overseeing and supporting the wider planning team * Managing project delivery, timelines, and client expectations * Providing strategic planning advice to clients * Preparing and reviewing high-quality planning reports and documentation * Liaising with Local Planning Authorities and key stakeholders * Supporting team development and mentoring junior planners * Contributing to business development and office growth WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * RTPI accredited degree in Town Planning or related discipline * MRTPI qualified * Strong consultancy background within town planning * Experience managing or mentoring team members * Proven project management experience * Excellent understanding of the UK planning system * Strong communication, leadership, and client-facing skills * Commercial awareness and a proactive approach WHAT'S ON OFFER * Competitive salary and benefits package * Opportunity to lead and develop a growing team * Exposure to a wide variety of planning projects * Supportive and collaborative consultancy environment * Clear progression opportunities and ongoing professional development Interested? Contact Joel Bland on (phone number removed) or email at