Cobalt Recruitment
Associate Director to Director (Town Planning)

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Lead. Influence. Grow.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Associate Director or Director to join a growing, independent planning consultancy in Birmingham.
This is a genuine leadership role where you'll help shape the growth of the business, lead high-profile planning projects, develop client relationships, mentor a talented team, and play a key role in winning new work.
The Role
- Lead planning applications and strategic planning projects.
- Build and manage strong client relationships.
- Support business development and help grow the Birmingham office.
- Mentor and develop junior planners.
- Work across a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the UK.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
- MRTPI qualified.
- Strong UK planning experience within consultancy, client-side, or the public sector.
- Commercially minded with excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Passionate about delivering high-quality planning advice and developing lasting client relationships.
What's on Offer?
- Genuine route to influence and leadership.
- Varied, high-quality projects across multiple sectors.
- Hybrid working and excellent career progression.
- Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact while helping shape the future of a growing consultancy, we'd love to hear from you.
When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com or 07458161399.
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