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Associate Director : Town Planning

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Job Title: Associate Director : Town Planning
Location: Colchester
Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a leading UK planning, development economics, and design consultancy in their search for an Associate Director to join their established team.
About The Company
This highly regarded consultancy has built a strong reputation for delivering expert planning and development advice across England and Wales. Working with major developers, housebuilders, and public sector clients, they are known for their collaborative culture, innovative thinking, and involvement in high-profile and complex projects.
The Role
As part of the Colchester-based planning team, you will play a key leadership role in delivering a wide range of projects. This will include strategic planning, development management, and coordinating planning applications for both private and public sector clients. You will also contribute to the continued growth and success of the office, supporting team development and strengthening client relationships.
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.
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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.
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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.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage planning projects from inception through to delivery
- Provide strategic planning advice to a diverse client base
- Oversee development management projects and planning applications
- Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams and consultants
- Build and maintain strong client relationships
- Support business development and contribute to office growth
Requirements
- Minimum of 6 years planning experience
- MRTPI qualified
- Strong commercial awareness with experience in both forward planning and development management
- Excellent knowledge of UK planning legislation
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
- Confident communicator with experience in client-facing roles
- Proven project management capabilities
- Experience working within the local area is advantageous
What's On Offer
- Competitive salary package based on experience
- Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects
- Clear career progression within a respected national consultancy
- Supportive and collaborative working environment


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Benefits Include
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing with service up to 30 days)
- Private medical insurance
- Pension scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Life assurance / Death in Service benefit
- Employee assistance programme (24/7 support)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Staff referral bonus scheme
- Retail and service discounts
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional to step into a senior leadership role within a dynamic and growing consultancy, contributing to impactful projects and shaping future development.
Interested?
The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates ASAP so if you meet the above criteria, Josh Jones on 362 010
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