Associate Director | Planning Director

Associate Director | Planning Director Penguin Recruitment
• Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a nationally recognised and forward‑thinking planning consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Planning Director / Planning Director to play a key role in the continued growth of its Birmingham office.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an ambitious planning professional looking to shape regional strategy, develop new business opportunities, and lead the delivery of major planning projects across the UK.

The successful candidate will join a consultancy with ambitious growth plans and a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality planning advice on complex and high‑profile schemes. Projects include urban regeneration initiatives and major mixed‑use sustainable urban extensions, working with national house builders, land promoters, and landowners.

You will become a key member of the regional leadership team, helping to drive business growth while mentoring and developing planning colleagues.

As Associate Planning Director / Planning Director, you will:

• Play a central role in the growth strategy of the Birmingham office
• Identify, secure, and deliver new development opportunities
• Lead major planning applications and appeals for large‑scale mixed‑use schemes
• Provide strategic planning advice to a diverse client base
• Manage and inspire a high‑performing planning team
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships
• Ensure the delivery of high‑quality work to agreed timescales

To be considered for this role, you will have:

• A degree in Town Planning or a related discipline
• Significant experience within a planning consultancy environment
• A strong understanding of UK planning policy and regulatory frameworks
• Proven experience preparing and managing planning applications and appeals
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• A strong track record of delivering work to tight deadlines
• RTPI membership

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package
• Private medical insurance
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day off for your birthday
• Hybrid working from a central Birmingham hub
• A culture of trust, autonomy, and professional empowerment
• The opportunity to join a vibrant, ambitious consultancy and influence long‑term business strategy
• Support from experienced and approachable senior leadership

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on  or email josh