Associate Director

Our client is a leading multidisciplinary design and engineering consultancy with a strong UK presence. Their Cambridge office has a respected planning team that works alongside in-house masterplanning, urban design, transport, engineering and environmental specialists. That lets them deliver complex, large-scale development projects from start to finish. As the team continues to grow, they now want to appoint an Associate Director to help lead the team and its work in the region. The role You'll lead a varied portfolio of major residential, mixed-use and strategic land projects across Greater Cambridge and the East of England. You'll set planning strategy, manage project teams and act as a trusted adviser to clients. You'll also play a key part in developing the team and winning new work. Key responsibilities:

• Leading planning strategy and managing major applications, from site promotion and EIA scoping through to outline, reserved matters and discharge of conditions
• Making representations to emerging local plans and leading on appeals, including preparing evidence and appearing as an expert witness where needed
• Building and managing relationships with housebuilders, master developers, land promoters, landowners and public sector clients
• Coordinating multidisciplinary consultant teams and engaging with local planning authorities, statutory consultees and communities
• Leading bids and fee proposals, and supporting business development across the region
• Line managing, mentoring and developing planners within the team
• Contributing to the strategic direction of the Cambridge planning team About you:
• Chartered Member of the RTPI
• Significant post-qualification experience, currently working at Associate or senior Associate level (or equivalent client-side)
• Strong track record on major residential and mixed-use schemes, ideally including strategic land and local plan promotion
• Good knowledge of the Cambridge and East of England planning context is an advantage
• Confident with clients, commercially minded, and experienced in leading and developing teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills