Associate Director - Planning & InfrastructureLondonLocation: London (Chancery Lane)Working Pattern: Full time, hybrid working (3 days in office, 2 days flex)Why Grayling?At Grayling, you’ll be part of one of the UK’s most respected integrated communications agencies.We offer a supportive and ambitious culture where your ideas are heard, your growth is championed, and your work has real impact.We’re serious about our work but never about ourselves, so if you’re looking for your next move and are passionate about the built environment you’ve come to the right place!About Grayling P&IGrayling Planning & Infrastructure deliver communications and engagement services that protect and enhance our client’s reputations across:The UK’s energy transition: policy analysis and supporting energy generation and transmission projectsMajor economic development: freeports, town centre regeneration and garden villagesOur multi‑award‑winning consultants, based across Grayling's nine UK offices, manage communications and engagement for major TCPA and NSIP projects from consultation to consent.The day to dayProvide strategic counsel and advice to clients, developing and delivering innovative, insightful and integrated solutions of the highest standards.Experience leading teams to deliver large TCPA applications and, ideally, DCO applicationsManaging all parts of the consultation and engagement process, from pre‑planning to construction comms.Lead on new business proposals and pitches.Delivering new business leads.Proactive networking to grow contactsLead stakeholder and community consultation events.Building an appreciation of the relationship between client service and profitability, escalating any issues to the appropriate level.Managing and developing junior staff using the appropriate people management techniques, resolving or escalating issues promptly and fairly, along with celebrating successesDemonstrating an in‑depth understanding of key social media platforms and how they can be used for engagement purposesUnderstanding and managing the relationship between client service and profitability, escalating any issues to the appropriate levelWhat will give you the edgeSignificant stakeholder and community engagement experience within an agency, across the energy, infrastructure and regeneration spaceDemonstrated ability to craft compelling LinkedIn profiles and thought leadership articlesProven experience leveraging professional networks to identify and secure new business opportunitiesStrategic, analytical thinker with the initiative to see a programme through from start to finishConfident networker – adept at staying in touch with key decision makers and contactsAbility to digest and organise large volumes of information quickly, and stay abreast of ever‑changing political and social developments that may affect client workStrong understanding of workings of both traditional PR and PASupportive, inspiring and motivational leaderSelf‑aware and able to adapt personal style and approach to clients and teamCalm and authoritative in response to issues or crisisOur promises to youFlexible working arrangements, including hybrid working & flexi time and 4pm Friday finishes25 days’ holiday, increasing by one day every year up to 30 daysAdditional day of leave on your birthday & gifted time off over ChristmasA monthly cash allowance to use on the benefits most important to you - you'll have the freedom to choose how you enjoy it!Enhanced family‑friendly policies including five months fully paid maternity leave / two months paternity leave. For further details please see our websiteFree subscription to Calm appFree breakfasts & fruitAn abundance of personal development opportunities, through our internal training programmesNew business and employee referral bonusesInterest‑free season ticket loan & Railcard reimbursementCycle to work schemeEmployee Assistance Programme offering a 24/7 confidential advice lineLife assuranceGet to know usGrayling is the UK’s best‑connected communications agency, working across Public Affairs, Planning & Infrastructure, Consumer and Corporate. With nine UK offices and 20+ worldwide, we help brands make an impact through smart thinking, cultural insights, and creative ideas.We’ve been on an exciting journey the last year, having been named among PRovoke Media's 50 Best Agencies in Continental Europe and 50 Best Agencies in UK!Our commitment at Grayling is to combine our employees’ unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build a more diverse and inclusive organisation that represents all of us and the businesses we work with. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and will consider all applicants regardless of age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, family or parental status, neurodiversity and disability status. If you need any adjustments during the application process, we’re here to help - just let us know. #J-18808-Ljbffr