Job Title: Associate Director - Town Planning Location: Colchester Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK consultancy in the appointment of an Associate Director for its growing Colchester planning team. Our client is a highly respected multidisciplinary consultancy with an established reputation across planning, development economics, and design. Known for its collaborative culture and high-quality project work, the business advises major developers, housebuilders, land promoters, and public sector organisations on complex and prestigious schemes across England and Wales. This opportunity would suit an experienced Planner operating at Principal Planner, Associate, or Associate Director level who is looking to take the next step within a successful and expanding office. The Role As part of the Colchester Planning team, the successful candidate will contribute to and lead on the delivery of significant projects involving strategic planning, development management, and planning project coordination for a broad range of private and public sector clients. The role will involve: Leading and managing a varied portfolio of planning projects Providing strategic planning advice to clients and stakeholders Managing client relationships and supporting business development activities Preparing and reviewing planning appraisals, applications, and appeals Mentoring and supporting junior members of the planning team Contributing to the continued growth and success of the Colchester office Candidate Requirements The ideal candidate will: Hold MRTPI accreditation Have a minimum of 6 years' professional planning experience Possess a strong understanding of both forward planning and development management Demonstrate excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy Have strong analytical, report writing, and communication skills Be confident in client-facing situations and project management responsibilities Ideally have experience working within the local area and regional market Be commercially aware and motivated to contribute to business growth Benefits Competitive salary package Hybrid working arrangements 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service up to 30 days Private medical insurance Salary sacrifice pension scheme Life assurance / Death in Service benefit Cycle to work scheme Employee assistance programme Retail and lifestyle discounts Staff referral bonus scheme Staff discounts on property and financial services Friendly and collaborative working environment with excellent career progression opportunities Interested? The hiring manager is looking to meet suitable candidates ASAP. If you meet the above criteria, please contact Josh Jones on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)