Associate Director / Technical Director - Town PlanningLocation: Manchester (hybrid working available)Type: Permanent | Full-timeSalary: Competitive + car allowance + bonus + excellent benefits

A leading global consultancy is seeking an experienced Associate Director or Technical Director to lead and grow its Town Planning capability in Manchester. This is a senior-level opportunity within one of the UK's most respected planning and environmental teams, delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and development projects across multiple sectors.

With a strong pipeline of nationally significant work in transport, energy, water, and residential development, this is a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure in the North of England.

The Opportunity

• Lead and grow a team of town planning consultants based in Manchester and across the North.

• Deliver expert planning advice on major development and infrastructure schemes.

• Manage multi-disciplinary bids and complex project delivery.

• Build and maintain client relationships with public and private sector stakeholders.

• Contribute to national thought leadership around Net Zero, ESG, Biodiversity Net Gain and digital transformation.

• Drive business development and identify new market opportunities.

About You

• Chartered Member of the RTPI, with an RTPI-accredited degree in Town and Country Planning.

• Proven leadership experience within a consultancy or multi-disciplinary environment.

• Strong understanding of UK planning law and commercial project delivery.

• Experience managing large-scale planning applications or infrastructure projects.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and team-building skills.

• A collaborative mindset and motivation to develop new services and client relationships.

What's on Offer

• A leadership role with a top-tier consultancy delivering nationally significant projects.

• The autonomy to grow and shape the Manchester-based planning team.

• High-profile work in energy (including offshore wind and hydrogen), rail, water, roads and housing.

• A strong, supportive culture of inclusion, innovation, and collaboration.

• Hybrid working and an excellent package including bonus, car allowance, and extensive benefits.

To apply or find out more, please contact Sofia at Penguin Recruitment on or email