Associate Director / Planning Director

FutureGen Recruitment is working with a well-established, employee-owned, multidisciplinary planning and design practice to appoint an Associate Director or Director to lead and grow their Liverpool planning office.

This is a senior leadership role offering real autonomy, influence and long-term career security within a business that places people, wellbeing and professional development at the heart of everything it does.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will take responsibility for leading the Liverpool planning team, developing its profile across the North West and Scotland, and building on an already well-established client base. You will play a key role in shaping growth, mentoring planners, and contributing to the wider strategic direction of the business.

You will work closely with colleagues across a broad multidisciplinary offering, including:

• Planning Research & Analysis

• Masterplanning & Urban Design

• Architecture & Landscape

• Transport & Infrastructure

• Sustainability & Environmental Services

The business operates as a single national team, enabling collaboration across offices through a flexible hybrid working model.

What They're Looking For

• Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI)

• Ideally 10+ years' professional experience, gained in private consultancy or a mix of consultancy, public sector and client-side roles

• Strong leadership experience with the ability to grow, mentor and manage teams

• Proven track record in business development, client management and winning work

• Confident leading major planning applications, appeals, Local Plan representations, site promotion and examination / inquiry work

• Commercially aware with experience contributing to financial and performance planning

• Full UK driving licence

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, grow and mentor the Liverpool planning team

• Develop and retain client relationships while generating new work

• Identify and secure opportunities in key growth sectors

• Lead major planning projects across development management and policy work

• Contribute to wider business strategy and cross-disciplinary collaboration

• Represent the business at networking and industry events

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary with a base or around £55,000 for Associate Director and £70,000 to £75,000 for a Director, plus benefits.

• Employee-owned business with a strong people-first culture

• Hybrid working with core office collaboration days

• Private healthcare, life insurance and enhanced pension

• Generous annual leave plus additional gifted time off over Christmas

• Paid professional subscriptions and a strong CPD programme

• A supportive senior leadership team with regular check-ins and structured reviews

This role would suit a senior planner or existing Director looking for greater influence, stability and long-term progression within a values-driven consultancy.

Interested?

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:

Rob Hanks