Associate Director

  • Penguin Recruitment
  • Bedford, Bedfordshire
  • Jul 30, 2025
Full time Executive

Job Description

Position: Associate Director - Planning

Location: Bedford or Rugby Office

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning-led consultancy in the appointment of an experienced Associate Director (Town Planning) for their Bedford or Rugby office. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially focused and chartered planner to take the next step in their career within a dynamic and supportive environment.

About the Role:

This role offers the chance to lead a diverse portfolio of projects across sectors including residential, specialist housing, and commercial development, working both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading planning applications, appeals, and site promotion work
  • Representing clients at hearings, inquiries, and Local Plan reviews
  • Supporting junior team members and contributing to business growth
  • Building strong client relationships and expanding networks across the East Midlands and East of England

What We're Looking For:

  • Chartered Member of the RTPI
  • Minimum 8-10 years' experience, primarily in the private sector
  • Strong report writing and communication skills
  • Demonstrated success in project and team leadership
  • Full UK driving licence

Desirable experience:

  • Public Inquiry/EiP exposure
  • Budget and fee proposal preparation
  • Mentoring junior colleagues
  • Business development and client acquisition

Why Apply?

  • Work with a respected, employee-focused consultancy
  • Hybrid working model with collaborative office culture
  • Projects across a variety of sectors and scales
  • Excellent benefits including BUPA healthcare, enhanced maternity, life insurance, pension, CPD support, and more

Interested?

To find out more or apply for this position, contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment:
(phone number removed)
(url removed)