A nationally respected company is seeking a Planning Director or Associate Director with a strong track record in retail, commercial and industrial planning to join its growing Manchester team. This is a senior hire with a clear focus: delivering strategic planning advice to one of the UK’s most prominent and active developer clients.

You’ll play a lead role in managing the planning needs of this high-profile client, supporting their national property portfolio. This is a fast-paced, commercially driven role requiring technical planning expertise, excellent client service, and a deep understanding of the retail and commercial planning landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as lead planning advisor for a major UK retail client, managing a high volume of varied projects
• Provide strategic advice on site selection, planning appraisals, sequential and impact assessments, and planning risk
• Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals across England
• Collaborate closely with in-house teams and external consultants to deliver planning outcomes efficiently
• Support wider business development and contribute to the continued growth of the retail planning offer

About You:

• MRTPI qualified with significant experience in UK planning, ideally within consultancy or retail client-side roles
• A strong track record of delivering retail or commercial planning schemes at pace and at scale
• Proven expertise in retail policy, town centre planning, and commercial development
• Commercially minded, with excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Comfortable managing multiple projects across a national portfolio

What’s on Offer:

• The chance to work with a major UK client on a retained basis, therefore no need to business develop. 
• A key role within a nationally recognised planning team with retail sector depth
• A collaborative and flexible working culture, based out of central Manchester
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with room for progression

If you’re a retail-focused planner looking for a role where your expertise will be valued and your work will have a direct commercial impact, this could be your next step.

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 sshaw@cobaltrecruitment.com