Associate Planning Director / Planning Director

Associate Planning Director / Planning Director

Location: Kent (Hybrid Working Available - Paddock Wood or Hythe Base)
Salary: £60,000+ DOE + Performance Related Bonus

An Exciting Leadership Opportunity in the South East

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced planning professional to join a highly respected and growing planning consultancy as an Associate Planning Director or Planning Director.

Based in Kent and working across Kent, East Sussex, Surrey and London, this role offers the chance to lead a diverse portfolio of planning projects whilst helping shape the future growth of an ambitious and well-established business.

The consultancy works across a broad range of sectors, from strategic land promotion, major residential and commercial developments, and complex rural projects through to bespoke schemes that make a meaningful difference to local communities and individual clients.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, leading teams, building client relationships and delivering high-quality planning outcomes.

The Role

As a senior member of the planning team, you will play a key role in project delivery, client management and team leadership.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading and overseeing planning applications and appeals from inception through to determination
• Acting as a senior planning contact for clients, colleagues and stakeholders
• Managing and mentoring junior team members, supporting their professional development
• Providing technical planning guidance on legislation, policy and procedure
• Managing project workloads and maintaining high professional standards
• Building and developing client relationships
• Supporting business development activities and generating new opportunities
• Working closely with senior leadership to support the continued growth of the business
• Delivering commercially focused planning advice across a wide range of projects

This is a highly visible role offering genuine influence within the business and clear opportunities for further progression.

About You

We are keen to speak with experienced planning professionals who can demonstrate strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness and leadership capability.

You will ideally have:

• MRTPI, MRICS or equivalent professional qualification
• Significant experience within planning consultancy, development or local government
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy and procedures
• Experience managing planning applications and appeals independently
• Excellent communication and client management skills
• Experience mentoring and supporting junior colleagues
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach
• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities

Candidates with experience generating new business and developing client relationships will be particularly attractive, although strong technical planners from a Local Authority background will also be considered.

What's On Offer?

• Competitive salary from £60,000+ depending on experience
• Performance related bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Exposure to a varied and high-quality project portfolio
• Leadership responsibilities and genuine autonomy
• Long-term career progression opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative working environment

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role would suit an ambitious Associate Director, Associate Planner, Principal Planner or experienced Senior Planner looking to take the next step in their career, or an established Director seeking a fresh challenge within a growing and highly regarded consultancy.

You'll join a team that values accountability, integrity, collaboration and professional excellence, whilst working on projects that genuinely help shape communities and places across the South East.

Apply Now

For a confidential discussion to find out more, please contact:

Rob Hanks

Futuregen Recruitment
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