Associate Director - Town Planning

About the role

Join a leading UK planning, development economics and design consultancy as an Associate Director in their Colchester office. You will lead strategic planning, development management and planning application coordination for a diverse portfolio of private and public sector clients, while helping to grow the practice and strengthen client relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning projects from inception through to delivery.
• Provide strategic planning advice to a diverse client base.
• Oversee development management projects and planning applications.
• Coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams and external consultants.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Support business development and contribute to office growth.

Required profile

• Minimum of 6 years' planning experience.
• MRTPI qualified.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience in forward planning and development management.
• Excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation.
• Strong analytical and report‑writing skills.
• Confident communicator with client‑facing experience.
• Proven project‑management capabilities.
• Experience working within the local area is advantageous.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary package based on experience.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of high‑profile projects.
• Clear career progression within a respected national consultancy.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 30 days with service).
• Private medical insurance.
• Pension scheme (salary sacrifice).
• Life assurance / Death in Service benefit.
• Employee assistance programme (24/7 support).
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, eye‑care vouchers, staff referral bonus and retail discounts.