Town Planning Director

Job Title: Director - Town Planning \n\nLocation: Liverpool (Hybrid) \n\nPenguin 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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nThe Opportunity\n\nThe 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:\n\nPlanning Research & Analysis\nMasterplanning & Urban Design\nArchitecture\nTransport & Infrastructure\nSustainability Engineering\nEnvironmental 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.\n\nYou 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.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nLead and grow the Liverpool Planning team\nProvide clear leadership, mentoring and strategic direction\nManage and oversee major planning projects including applications, appeals, Local Plans, examinations and inquiries\nDevelop and strengthen existing client relationships while generating new business opportunities\nIdentify and secure growth in targeted development sectors\nTake responsibility for office financial performance and resourcing\nContribute to company-wide business strategy and senior management\nRepresent the business at networking and industry events\nAssemble and lead project teams across the national office networkAbout You\n\nMRTPI qualified with a postgraduate degree in Planning\nIdeally professional experience, gained within private consultancy, public sector or client-side roles\nProven experience managing professional planning teams\nStrong track record in business development and client leadership\nEstablished professional network with clear ideas for future growth\nConfident leading complex development management and policy work\nCommercially aware, collaborative and people-focusedWhat's on Offer\n\nSenior leadership role within an employee-owned organisation\nCompetitive, negotiable salary\nHybrid working with core office collaboration days\nPrivate healthcare, life insurance and enhanced pension options\nGenerous annual leave plus gifted time off over Christmas\nEnhanced maternity scheme\nCycle to work scheme\nPaid professional subscriptions\nStrong commitment to wellbeing, diversity and inclusion\nActive CPD and training programme, with Directors contributing to thought leadership and industry insight\n\nInterested?\n\nThe 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)