Job Title: Associate / Associate Director – Town Planning
Location: Flexible (UK-wide) | Hybrid Working
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Sector: Infrastructure, Energy, Water, Environmental Planning
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time

Overview:
Are you ready to shape the future of planning in the UK? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Associate or Associate Director – Town Planner to join a leading multidisciplinary consultancy, delivering major infrastructure and development projects across the country.

This is your chance to play a critical role in nationally significant schemes, particularly in the Water and Energy sectors, working at the forefront of environmental planning, sustainability, and development consent orders (DCOs).

The Opportunity:
As a senior planning professional, you will lead on the delivery of complex planning applications and DCOs, working closely with high-profile clients and coordinating multi-disciplinary project teams. This role offers the chance to drive strategic planning initiatives on transformative projects, while supporting the development of junior colleagues and contributing to the wider growth of the planning function.

You’ll be joining a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusive working practices, with a strong commitment to professional development and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as Planning Lead or DCO Lead on major infrastructure projects, with an initial focus on the Water and Energy markets

• Lead planning application and consent strategies, engaging with key stakeholders and regulatory bodies

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality outcomes on time and to budget

• Contribute to bids, framework submissions, and business development activities

• Mentor and support junior planning staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture

• Work closely with environmental, engineering, and design colleagues to deliver integrated project solutions

About You:

• Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline; chartered status with RTPI (or equivalent) is desirable

• Proven experience delivering complex planning consents, ideally including DCO, TCPA, TWAO or EIA-related projects

• Strong background in infrastructure, particularly within the Water or Energy sectors

• Skilled in project management, team leadership, and client engagement

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in report writing and presentations

• Commercial awareness and a proactive attitude to business development

What’s on Offer:

• The chance to work on some of the UK’s most critical infrastructure and environmental projects

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements and a supportive team culture

• A structured career path with clear progression opportunities

• Access to extensive training, mentoring and professional development support

• A competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits offering

To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and any relevant experience.

Interested? Apply today for a confidential discussion on 01792 365986 and forward your CV to sofiaconte@penguinrecruitment.co.uk