Associate Director

Associate Director

Location: Manchester

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established and forward-thinking planning consultancy in the appointment of a Non-Executive Associate Director to support the launch and leadership of their new Manchester office.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior planning professional to play a pivotal strategic role in expanding a respected brand into a key regional market. Our client is seeking an experienced, well-connected planner with strong stakeholder and leadership skills, and a solid understanding of the Greater Manchester business and planning landscape.

Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management

• Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities.

Recruitment & Team Building

• Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven team culture.

Performance Monitoring

• Establish and track KPIs for the office's performance and growth.
• Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness.

Planning Delivery

• Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services.
• Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice.

Qualifications

Experience

• Proven leadership in a senior planning role (private or public sector).
• Strong background in strategic planning and project delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound knowledge of planning and development practices in Greater Manchester.
• Familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to make independent, well-informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI).
• Previous experience in a Non-Executive or advisory role.

Day-to-day

• Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region.
• Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies.
• Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities.
• Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven team culture.
• Establish and track KPIs for the office's performance and growth.
• Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness.
• Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services.
• Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration (£60,000 + car allowance).
• A unique opportunity to shape and lead a new regional office.
• Flexibility to structure your involvement around other commitments.
• Work with a respected, growing consultancy making bold regional moves.

If you are interested in this role, contact Joel Bland on or email at