Associate Director of Planning

Associate Director, Planning (Multiple Locations)Locations: Key locations including Guildford, Lewes, Cirencester and SalisburyContract: Permanent, Full-TimeSalary: Competitive + excellent benefitsAbout the OpportunityWe are working with an established national UK property consultancy with a historic reputation for combining deep local market expertise with strategic, commercially-driven planning and land advisory services. The business operates through a network of 50+ offices across England and Scotland, providing specialist support in residential, commercial, rural and strategic land sectors, and forms part of a wider global real estate group with international reach and resources.This is a key senior planning appointment, with hiring focused in key locations including Guildford, Lewes, Cirencester and Salisbury, offering the opportunity to lead challenging and varied planning projects, shape planning strategy, and contribute to the growth of a respected national planning team.The RoleAs an Associate Director, Planning, you will be responsible for:

• Leading a range of planning applications, appeals and Local Plan matters.
• Advising landowners, developers and land promoters on planning strategy and delivery.
• Leading your own projects from inception to successful completion.
• Supporting senior colleagues with complex cases and contributing to practice development initiatives.
• Building long-term client relationships and, over time, developing your own client base.

You will operate within a supportive, collaborative multidisciplinary environment with access to expertise in development management, estate management, strategic land and wider commercial property teams.What We're Looking ForEssential Requirements

• MRTPI qualified (Chartered Town Planner) with demonstrable career progression and planning delivery experience.
• Strong client-facing skills with the ability to manage stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and reporting skills.
• The ability to work well within a team while managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• A proactive, commercially astute individual with a flexible, solution-orientated approach.

Competencies

• Agility in managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
• Initiative and self-motivation with minimal supervision.
• Commercial awareness with a focus on delivering high standards of client service.
• Strong organisational skills, including time and budget management.
• A commitment to continuous professional improvement and quality delivery.

Person Specification

• A natural team player with the aspiration to build a strong professional reputation and local profile.
• The ability to form and maintain effective relationships with clients, colleagues, advisors and external partners.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering successful planning outcomes in a timely manner.

Professional Skills & Qualifications

• Chartered membership of the RTPI.
• Excellent research and analytical capabilities.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and internet research.

Benefits PackageOur client offers an award-winning benefits programme designed to support and reward employees, including:Health & Leisure

• Private medical insurance
• 27 days annual leave + public holidays (option to purchase up to 5 additional days)
• Health screening and wellbeing support
• Gym and leisure discounts
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Travel and retail discounts
• Volunteering opportunities
• Social events, sports teams and charity involvement

Financial & Professional

• Workplace pension
• Company car allowance
• Life assurance at 8 basic salary
• Group income protection (long-term disability)
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Bonus scheme eligibility
• Share incentive plan
• Financial planning and mortgage advice support

Why This Role MattersThis is a rare opportunity to join a truly national planning team that combines deep local insight with strategic land advisory capability, trusted by private estates, developers and institutional clients alike. The successful candidate will enjoy a high level of autonomy, the chance to work on diverse schemes across residential, mixed-use and strategic land portfolios, and the platform to accelerate their professional profile.