Associate Director Location: Manchester Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well:established and forward:thinking planning consultancy in the appointment of a Non:Executive Associate Director to support the launch and leadership of their new Manchester office. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior planning professional to play a pivotal strategic role in expanding a respected brand into a key regional market. Our client is seeking an experienced, well:connected planner with strong stakeholder and leadership skills, and a solid understanding of the Greater Manchester business and planning landscape. Responsibilities Stakeholder Management * Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks. * Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region. Compliance and Governance * Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies. * Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities. Recruitment and Team Building * Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office. * Foster a collaborative, values:driven team culture. Performance Monitoring * Establish and track KPIs for the offices performance and growth. * Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness. Planning Delivery * Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services. * Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice. Qualifications Experience * Proven leadership in a senior planning role (private or public sector). * Strong background in strategic planning and project delivery. * Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. * Sound knowledge of planning and development practices in Greater Manchester. * Familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks. * Ability to make independent, well:informed decisions. Preferred Qualifications * Chartered Member of the RTPI (MRTPI). * Previous experience in a Non:Executive or advisory role. Day:to:day * Represent the company at local events and within business and planning networks. * Develop relationships with key stakeholders and influencers in the region. * Ensure operations align with relevant legislation, planning regulations, and company policies. * Provide regular progress updates to the Managing Director, including on challenges and opportunities. * Assist in recruiting and onboarding key hires for the Manchester office. * Foster a collaborative, values:driven team culture. * Establish and track KPIs for the offices performance and growth. * Offer strategic insights and ongoing recommendations to improve effectiveness. * Support in delivering the full range of planning and development services. * Manage client enquiries, prepare and submit applications and appeals, and contribute to planning inquiries and policy advice. Benefits * Competitive remuneration (GBP60,000 + car allowance). * A unique opportunity to shape and lead a new regional office. * Flexibility to structure your involvement around other commitments. * Work with a respected, growing consultancy making bold regional moves. * If you are interested in this role, contact Joel Bland on or email at