Associate Director – Planning

Wareham, Dorset | Competitive Salary + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

Shape Places. Lead Projects. Influence Growth.

FutureGen Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a highly respected and growing planning consultancy to recruit an ambitious Associate Director for their Dorset office.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Associate Director seeking a fresh challenge, or a talented Senior Planner/Associate looking to take the next step into a leadership position.

You'll join a successful, forward -thinking consultancy with an impressive portfolio of projects across the residential, commercial and strategic land sectors. This role offers the chance to influence major developments, build lasting client relationships, mentor future planning talent and play a key role in the continued growth of the business.

If you're commercially minded, passionate about planning, and excited by the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

As Associate Director, you'll become a key member of the leadership team, taking ownership of significant projects while helping to shape the future direction of the business.

Working with an established client base that includes developers, housebuilders, land promoters and commercial organisations, you'll provide strategic planning advice that delivers real -world results.

You'll have the autonomy to lead projects from inception through to delivery while supporting junior team members and contributing to business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning projects across a diverse range of development sectors
  
• Provide strategic planning advice to clients, identifying opportunities and solutions
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with developers, landowners, stakeholders and professional consultants
  
• Manage planning applications, appeals and development proposals through the planning process
  
• Prepare and oversee high -quality planning reports, appraisals and professional advice
  
• Undertake planning research, site assessments and due diligence exercises
  
• Liaise and negotiate with local authorities, consultees and key stakeholders
  
• Lead public consultation and stakeholder engagement activities
  
• Mentor and support planners, assistant planners and graduate planners
  
• Identify new business opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the consultancy
  
• Deliver projects efficiently while maintaining exceptional client service standards
  

About You

We're keen to speak with planning professionals who combine technical excellence with strong commercial awareness and leadership potential.

You'll Ideally Have:

• MRTPI qualification
  
• Significant post -qualification planning experience (typically 7+ years)
  
• Experience within the private and/or public sector planning environment
  
• Strong technical planning knowledge across a variety of development sectors
  
• Experience managing planning applications, appeals and development projects
  
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  
• Proven ability to build and maintain client relationships
  
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities
  
• A proactive, solution -focused approach
  
• Experience mentoring or managing colleagues
  
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
  

Desirable Experience

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  
• Urban Design qualifications or practical experience
  

What's In It For You?

This is more than just a planning role — it's an opportunity to influence major developments, develop your leadership career and help shape a growing consultancy.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary package
  
• Performance -related bonus
  
• Pension scheme
  
• Flexible and hybrid working options
  
• Gym membership
  
• Ongoing CPD and professional development support
  
• Regular team, social and family -friendly events
  
• Clear opportunities for career progression and leadership development
  

Ready for Your Next Career Move?

If you're looking for a role where your expertise will be valued, your career can progress, and you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Shaun Lewis at FutureGen Recruitment

All conversations will be treated in the strictest confidence.