Town Planning Director

Job Title: Director - Town Planning

Location: Liverpool (Hybrid)

Penguin Recruitment is working on behalf of a well-established, employee-owned multidisciplinary planning and design consultancy to appoint an experienced Planning Director for its centrally located Liverpool office.

This is a senior leadership opportunity to take ownership of a growing regional planning team within a nationally active consultancy known for delivering tailored advice across the development sector.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will lead and further develop the Liverpool Planning Office, building on an existing and well-regarded client portfolio while helping to grow the wider business through cross-selling services across a strong multidisciplinary offer, including:

Planning Research & Analysis
Masterplanning & Urban Design
Architecture
Transport & Infrastructure
Sustainability Engineering
Environmental ServicesThe Liverpool office serves projects across the North West and Scotland and works closely with in-house design and masterplanning teams, allowing for genuinely collaborative project delivery.

You will join a close and supportive senior leadership team, with regular Director-level engagement, 1:1s with the Managing Director, and a structured review process.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and grow the Liverpool Planning team
Provide clear leadership, mentoring and strategic direction
Manage and oversee major planning projects including applications, appeals, Local Plans, examinations and inquiries
Develop and strengthen existing client relationships while generating new business opportunities
Identify and secure growth in targeted development sectors
Take responsibility for office financial performance and resourcing
Contribute to company-wide business strategy and senior management
Represent the business at networking and industry events
Assemble and lead project teams across the national office networkAbout You

MRTPI qualified with a postgraduate degree in Planning
Ideally professional experience, gained within private consultancy, public sector or client-side roles
Proven experience managing professional planning teams
Strong track record in business development and client leadership
Established professional network with clear ideas for future growth
Confident leading complex development management and policy work
Commercially aware, collaborative and people-focusedWhat's on Offer

Senior leadership role within an employee-owned organisation
Competitive, negotiable salary
Hybrid working with core office collaboration days
Private healthcare, life insurance and enhanced pension options
Generous annual leave plus gifted time off over Christmas
Enhanced maternity scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Paid professional subscriptions
Strong commitment to wellbeing, diversity and inclusion
Active CPD and training programme, with Directors contributing to thought leadership and industry insight

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 (url removed)