Associate Director - Planner

Ocean to Earth Recruitment is proud to be representing a leading, employee-owned, planning-led consultancy as they seek to appoint an experienced Associate Director – Town Planning to join their dynamic team in either their Bedford or Rugby office.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s most respected multidisciplinary planning consultancies, offering a truly collaborative environment, a broad client base, and a strong culture of professional development and wellbeing.

The Opportunity

As Associate Director, you’ll be supported by senior leadership while also enjoying the autonomy to lead on major projects. You’ll take a front-facing role with clients, contribute to strategic growth in the East of England and East Midlands, and guide junior planners within the team.

You’ll be involved in a diverse range of projects across both public and private sectors, with current work spanning:

• Planning Research & Analysis

• Masterplanning & Urban Design

• Architecture

• Transport & Infrastructure

• Sustainability Engineering

• Environmental Services

Your Role Will Include:

• Leading and managing planning applications, appeals, site promotion, and public inquiry work

• Delivering strategic and commercial planning advice to private sector clients

• Supporting the development of new business through networking and relationship building

• Representing clients at hearings and examinations

• Mentoring junior team members

• Managing project budgets and contributing to fee proposals

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum 8–10 years’ planning experience, with a strong emphasis on private sector work

• Chartered Member of the RTPI (essential)

• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and a proven track record of managing complex planning applications

• Excellent communication, commercial awareness, and project leadership skills

• A self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Full UK driving licence

Desirable Experience:

• Business development and fee proposal writing

• Representation at appeal hearings or public inquiries

• Team leadership and mentoring

• Tender submissions and billing oversight

Why Join This Practice?

As an employee-owned business, our client puts staff wellbeing and career progression at the heart of everything they do. Their culture is inclusive, forward-thinking, and supportive. Here’s what you can expect:

• Hybrid working with flexible ‘core’ office days

• Private healthcare (BUPA), life insurance, enhanced maternity scheme

• Cycle to work scheme and pension with salary sacrifice

• Annual CPD and training support

• Inclusive and collaborative work culture

• Formal annual reviews to support your career growth

Ready to Make a Move?

If you’re ready to join a people-focused, forward-thinking planning consultancy in a senior role, we’d love to hear from you.