Associate Director / Director – Town Planning

About the role

Penguin Recruitment is supporting a specialist planning consultancy in Edinburgh to hire an Associate Director or Director of Town Planning. This senior leadership position will oversee complex planning projects from feasibility through to submission and determination, working with a diverse portfolio across Scotland and the UK.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex planning applications and development projects.
• Prepare and review high‑quality planning reports, supporting documentation and strategic advice.
• Provide strategic guidance on development potential, policy context and risk.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships across public and private sectors.
• Represent clients at meetings, consultations and planning committees.
• Supervise, mentor and support junior team members.
• Contribute to business development through networking and proposal writing.
• Support the growth and success of the consultancy.

Required profile

• MRTPI qualification with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record delivering complex planning projects in Scotland and the wider UK.
• Deep understanding of Scottish planning policy, legislation and development management processes.
• Commercial awareness and experience in work‑winning, networking and client development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience supervising and mentoring junior colleagues.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with clients, local authorities and consultees.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

Required skills

• Proficiency with standard digital planning and consultancy tools.

What we offer

• Senior leadership role within a growing planning consultancy.
• Hybrid working model with flexibility between office and remote work.
• Exposure to a diverse, high‑quality project portfolio.
• Strong emphasis on professional development.