Associate Director - Leeds

Vacancy

Posted Friday August 28 2026

Associate Director - Leeds

DHA is looking for an experienced planning professional to lead and grow our presence in Leeds. This is a rare opportunity to be involved with the growth and development of the team, winning new work, and shaping how we operate in the region over time.

HomeAbout UsCareers at DHAAssociate Director - Leeds

You'll work from a shared office space in Leeds, so this role suits someone comfortable with lone working, whilst being part of one of our Planning teams in Kent which will mean you will have junior resource and you will have regular contact with colleagues based across the wider DHA team, colleagues will regularly travel up to Leeds but you will also be expected to travel to our Kent and London offices. You'll need to be a self-starter who's motivated by building something rather than stepping into an established team, and confident representing DHA independently at client meetings, networking events, and industry gatherings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and represent DHA in Leeds and the wider region, acting as the local face of the business.

• Deliver high-quality planning advice and project work for clients, drawing on private consultancy experience.

• Business development: identify, pursue, and win new instructions and clients in the region, including attending networking events and industry meetings independently.

• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders across the area.

• Over time, grow the Leeds team— including building the case for and helping recruit additional team members.

• Work autonomously on a day-to-day basis while staying closely linked in with the wider DHA team, drawing on shared resources, expertise, and support as needed.

• Travel periodically to Kent and London to meet with colleagues, attend team meetings, and stay connected with the wider business.

• Contribute to DHA's profile and reputation in the local market, including through speaking opportunities, articles, or involvement in local professional bodies where relevant.

About you

Essential:

• Experience working within a private planning consultancy.

• Strong self-starter who is comfortable working independently and managing their own workload with minimal day-to-day supervision. Having said that you will still be part of a team, have weekly team meetings and share resource across the business.  

• Confident and comfortable attending meetings, client visits, and networking events.

• Existing knowledge of, and connections within, the Leeds/Yorkshire area, including familiarity with relevant local authorities.

• Able to commute to Leeds regularly, and willing to travel to Kent and London periodically to meet with the wider team.

Desirable:

• Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards).

• Experience working within or alongside a local authority.

• Driving Licence

If you are interested in the opportunity apply below or call 011 3323 6669 to speak with Matthew Blythin.

Apply online

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