Overview

Technical Director / Associate Director - Town Planning
Location: North of England (Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield - Hybrid/Flexible)
Salary: Highly competitive + bonus + car allowance
Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Technical Director or Associate Director of Town Planning to join one of the UK's most progressive and influential planning consultancies. This is a key leadership role within a well-established, multidisciplinary team delivering nationally significant infrastructure and development projects.

As part of a highly respected Planning & Environment team, you'll help shape major schemes across sectors including transport, energy, water, and housing - all while tackling the biggest challenges of our time: climate change, Net Zero, ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain, and digital transformation. The organisation is truly at the forefront of thought leadership in planning, sustainability, and infrastructure development.

The Opportunity: This is a growth-focused leadership position for an experienced planning professional with a strong track record in the infrastructure and development sectors. You'll be instrumental in expanding the Northern team's reach, driving new business, and delivering high-impact consultancy across the public and private sectors. You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the UK and influence government thinking on major policy areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead, grow and mentor a team of Town Planning professionals across Northern England
• Deliver high-quality planning services for major infrastructure and development schemes
• Manage commercial aspects of projects, including resourcing, costing, and governance
• Lead multidisciplinary bids and proposals for new work
• Drive new business development and nurture key client relationships
• Work closely with technical teams in transport, energy, water, housing and environmental consultancy
• Represent the team externally at events, conferences and within the wider industry
• Support a collaborative, inclusive and high-performance team culture

About You

• Chartered Member of the RTPI with a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification
• Strong experience in consultancy or a client-facing planning environment
• Excellent working knowledge of UK planning policy, procedures and legislation
• Proven ability to lead major projects and manage multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated success in business development and client engagement
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent the team at a senior level
• A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, with a genuine passion for planning and sustainability

Why Apply?

• Join a nationally renowned team that's influencing infrastructure and policy at the highest levels
• Work on diverse, high-profile projects across the UK
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements, with offices in major cities including Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield
• Be part of a culture that values innovation, collaboration and professional development
• Excellent salary, generous benefits, and long-term career opportunities

Interested? This is a rare opportunity to join a top-tier planning consultancy at a senior level. If you're ready to make a significant impact, apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation. email ashleigh.waterhouse@carringtonwest.com or call 02393 876 054

Reference - 57106