Associate Director

Location: Manchester

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and forward-thinking planning consultancy in the appointment of a Non-Executive Associate Director to support the launch and leadership of their new Manchester office.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior planning professional to play a pivotal strategic role in expanding a respected brand into a key regional market. Our client is seeking an experienced, well-connected planner with strong stakeholder and leadership skills, and a solid understanding of the Greater Manchester business and planning landscape.

Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management

Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks.
Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region.Compliance & Governance

Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies.
Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities.Recruitment & Team Building

Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office.
Foster a collaborative, values-driven team culture.Performance Monitoring

Establish and track KPIs for the office's performance and growth.
Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness.Planning Delivery

Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services.
Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice.

Qualifications

Experience

Proven leadership in a senior planning role (private or public sector).
Strong background in strategic planning and project delivery.
Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
Sound knowledge of planning and development practices in Greater Manchester.
Familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks.
Ability to make independent, well-informed decisions.Preferred Qualifications

Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI).
Previous experience in a Non-Executive or advisory role.

Day-to-day

Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks.
Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region.
Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies.
Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities.
Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office.
Foster a collaborative, values-driven team culture.
Establish and track KPIs for the office's performance and growth.
Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness.
Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services.
Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration (£60,000 + car allowance).
A unique opportunity to shape and lead a new regional office.
Flexibility to structure your involvement around other commitments.
Work with a respected, growing consultancy making bold regional moves.
If you are interested in this role, contact Joel Bland on (phone number removed) or email at