Associate Director

Role: Associate Director – Town Planning

Location: Reading

Salary: £50,000–£70,000 (flexible, reviewed annually)

Experience: Chartered MRTPI

My client, a leading independent planning consultancy in the UK, is seeking an Associate Planning Director to join their growing team. This is a senior, high-profile role offering the opportunity to lead projects, shape strategy, and support business growth across a strong portfolio of residential, commercial, and regeneration schemes.

The consultancy has a strong focus on residential schemes but also handles commercial projects, town centre regeneration, strategic land, and planning appeals. This is a flexible, collaborative role with opportunities for mentoring, and the chance to influence the direction of the business. Alongside taking ownership of the existing workload, there’s growing involvement in strategic land, with the flexibility to shape your role by pursuing projects and sectors that interest you most.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a portfolio of projects across residential, commercial, and regeneration sectors
• Ensure high-quality delivery on all existing workloads
• Support the leadership team in shaping business strategy and growth initiatives
• Line‑manage and mentor junior planners (likely one direct report initially)
• Maintain and build strong client relationships, including advising on strategic land and growth projects
• Contribute ideas, energy, and positivity to the team culture

Note: While business development is encouraged, there are no formal BD targets, the emphasis is on delivering projects successfully and supporting growth.

Requirements:

• Chartered MRTPI with strong UK town planning experience
• Proven track record delivering major and complex projects, including planning applications and appeals
• Experience in residential‑led developments, commercial schemes, town centre regeneration, and strategic land – preferred
• Confident leader and team player, with experience mentoring others
• Strong professional network and ability to develop client relationships
• Highly motivated, strategic thinker with energy and positivity

What’s on

Offer:

• £50,000–£70,000, with flexibility and annual reviews plus car allowance
• Flexible, hybrid working– full autonomy to shape how and where you work (completely open to a full week of working remotely)
• Flexible working, compressed hours, additional parental leave and part time considered
• 2 bonus earning potential
• 28 days’ of annual leavewith the option to buy up to 12 more (or sell
  5)
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative culture
• Fun, sociable environment with opportunities for professional development

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior level planner looking to take ownership of projects, mentor others, and make a tangible impact in a flexible and supportive environment.

💰Not looking to move but know someone who is? Up to £500 for successful referrals.