Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Industry sector
Environment
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
19/01/2026
Closing date
09/02/2026
Job Title: Associate / Associate Director - Town Planning
Location: Newcastle
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning and environmental consultancy in the appointment of an Associate / Associate Director Planner to join their growing Newcastle office.
This is a senior leadership opportunity within a highly respected consultancy that is actively involved in multiple Development Consent Order (DCO) projects, alongside a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure and development schemes. These include renewable energy, hydrogen, transport, waste management, regeneration, residential, leisure, industrial and commercial development. The business works with some of the UK's largest and most prestigious organisations and has played a role in delivering some of the country's most innovative developments. Continued success has resulted in a strong and secure order book.
The Role
This position requires an experienced planning professional with a proven track record in directing and delivering major development projects. You will bring strong commercial awareness, excellent technical capability and outstanding interpersonal skills. The role offers genuine scope for career progression and the opportunity to work alongside some of the UK's leading planning professionals on high-profile projects.
A key element of the role will be supporting the Newcastle office lead in growing the consultancy's presence across the North East, while also playing an important role in the mentoring and professional development of the planning team.
Key Responsibilities
* Supporting the growth and development of the Town Planning team in Newcastle
* Leading development planning work and providing authoritative advice to clients
* Managing the commercial aspects of commissions, including governance, fee management, job costings and resourcing
* Leading and contributing to multidisciplinary bid submissions for major infrastructure and development projects
* Generating repeat business and identifying new business and market opportunities
* Managing client relationships and service delivery across a range of projects
* Taking responsibility for quality, accuracy and consistency of work delivered at all stages
* Collaborating closely with internal transport and landscape teams to deliver integrated services
* Line managing colleagues, including performance reviews, mentoring and coaching
About You
* Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (RTPI accredited)
* Chartered Member of the RTPI (or equivalent professional body)
* Proven experience delivering successful applications under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and/or the Planning Act 2008
* Extensive private sector experience within multidisciplinary consent teams
* Strong understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the development consent process
* In-depth knowledge of planning law, procedures and commercial drivers
* Demonstrable experience winning and managing large or complex development projects
* Excellent written skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports independently
* Strong stakeholder management skills and a collaborative, relationship-focused approach
* A well-established professional network and industry profile
* Competent user of Microsoft Office
What's On Offer
* Highly competitive salary and annual bonus
* Excellent career progression opportunities
* Pension contributions, private healthcare and professional fees paid
* Flexible working arrangements, including home working and office-based collaboration
* A strong commitment to work-life balance
* Friendly, supportive and collaborative company culture with regular social and team events
Interested?