Associate Director

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK planning consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate or Associate Director Planner to join its Newcastle team. This role combines technical excellence with leadership, focusing on major development and infrastructure projects. With a strong emphasis on client relationships and project delivery, the ideal candidate should have extensive experience in planning and hold an RTPI-accredited degree. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are offered, alongside career progression, pension contributions, and more.

Benefits

Pension contributions

Private healthcare

Professional membership fees covered

Regular social events

Employee ownership structure

Qualifications

• Extensive private sector experience within multidisciplinary planning.
• Strong understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Evidence of managing and delivering large development projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver development planning work.
• Support growth of the Newcastle planning team.
• Manage commercial aspects of projects.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Report writing

Project management

Client relationship building

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning

Chartered Membership of the RTPI

Job description

Overview

Associate / Associate Director - Town Planning
Location: Newcastle (Hybrid / Flexible Working)

An established and highly regarded UK planning and environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate or Associate Director Planner to join its growing Newcastle Town Planning team.

This is a senior opportunity for a commercially astute planning professional with a strong track record in delivering major development and infrastructure projects. You'll work across a diverse portfolio that includes DCOs, renewable energy, hydrogen, transport, waste management, regeneration, residential, leisure, industrial and commercial developments, alongside some of the most respected planning specialists in the industry.

The Role

As an Associate / Associate Director, you will combine technical excellence with leadership and commercial capability. You will support the Newcastle office lead in developing the planning team, growing market presence, and delivering high-quality outcomes for clients.

Key responsibilities

• Leading and delivering development planning work, providing authoritative advice to clients
• Supporting the growth and development of the Newcastle planning team
• Managing commercial aspects of projects, including fees, governance, resourcing and job costings
• Leading and contributing to multidisciplinary bids for major infrastructure and development projects
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships and driving repeat and new business
• Managing project delivery to ensure a consistently high-quality, professional service
• Line managing colleagues, including mentoring, coaching and performance reviews

About You

You'll be a confident and credible planning professional with the ability to lead complex projects and influence at senior levels.

• A degree or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (RTPI accredited)
• Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or equivalent professional body)
• Extensive private sector experience within multidisciplinary planning or consents teams
• Strong understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the development consent process
• In-depth knowledge of planning law, procedures and commercial drivers
• Evidence of winning, managing and delivering large or complex development projects
• Excellent stakeholder management, collaboration and relationship-building skills
• High-quality report writing skills with the ability to communicate clearly and confidently
• A strong professional network and established industry profile

What's On Offer

• Clear and supported career progression opportunities
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Pension contributions, private healthcare and professional membership fees covered
• Regular social events and cross-office team activities
• Employee ownership structure, offering tax-free bonuses and a genuine voice in the business

This organisation places real value on work-life balance, flexible working and long-term career development, making it an excellent choice for senior planners looking to take the next step.

Apply

To apply, please submit your CV via the job board or contact me directly on 02393 876 054 or [e-mail]

Reference - 63790