Associate Director

Location:

Bedfordshire, South East, United Kingdom

Salary:

£55000 – £65000 per annum

Type:

Permanent

Main Industry:

Search Management & Executive Jobs

Advertiser:

Penguin Recruitment Ltd

Job ID:

132682260

Posted On:

06 February 2026

Job Title: Associate Director

Location: Bedford or Rugby

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading employee-owned planning-led practice in their search for an Associate Director to join their team in either Bedford or Rugby.

This is an excellent opportunity to take a senior role within a respected, multidisciplinary consultancy that delivers projects across residential, commercial, and specialist housing sectors, while also offering strong support for professional and personal development.

The Role
As an Associate Director, you will play a key role in leading planning projects, managing applications of varying scales, supporting appeals, local plan representations, and site promotion. You will work directly with clients, providing high-level commercial advice, and will be actively involved in growing the profile and client base of the Bedford and Rugby offices.

Key Responsibilities

Lead on planning applications, appeals, and development plan work.
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Provide commercial planning advice to a range of clients.
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Develop and maintain strong client relationships, attending networking events and meetings.
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Mentor and support junior team members.
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Contribute to business development, tender submissions, and fee proposals.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider multidisciplinary group (masterplanning, architecture, transport, environmental services, etc.).

What’s on Offer

Competitive salary (negotiable depending on experience).
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Private healthcare (BUPA).
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Life insurance and contributory pension scheme (salary sacrifice option).
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Cycle-to-work scheme.
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Contributions towards professional subscriptions.
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Enhanced maternity scheme.
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Hybrid working arrangements.
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Clear opportunities for progression and career development.

Requirements

Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI).
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Minimum of 8-10 years’ professional planning experience, predominantly within the private sector.
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Proven ability to manage planning applications and appeals at a range of scales.

Desirable:

Experience in business development and work generation.
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Track record of appearing at hearings/public inquiries.
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Experience managing budgets, tenders, and mentoring junior staff.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a highly respected practice, taking a senior role with autonomy while benefiting from the support of an established leadership team.

Interested?
Contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment on # 362 010 or email #

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