Partner – Programme & Planning Lead
Location: London (Head Office)
Package: Highly competitive salary, full benefits package & performance‑linked bonus
About the Company
Our client is a leading UK construction consultancy renowned for delivering high‑value programme, project, and strategic advisory services across commercial offices, hospitality, major estates, and capital development programmes. While the business already offers elements of programme and planning advisory, they are now strategically expanding this service line to meet client demand and support wider growth objectives.
This is a senior leadership role with the remit to elevate, shape, and grow a specialist Programme & Planning function within a respected and ambitious consultancy.
The Opportunity
As Partner – Programme & Planning Lead, you will take full responsibility for developing and leading a best‑in‑class programme advisory and planning service. You will work directly with board‑level leaders, key clients, and major development partners to deliver early‑stage programme strategy, planning guidance, and construction/design advisory services.
This position requires a dynamic leader with a proven ability to win work, grow teams, and deliver high‑quality programme advice across complex developments. Candidates may come from either a Tier 1 contractor or a consultancy background but must demonstrate clear leadership capability and deep technical expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Service Leadership & Growth
* Lead the expansion and delivery of the Programme & Planning service line.
* Define and embed the service offering, technical standards, and delivery models.
* Establish and grow a team of programme and planning professionals to support project delivery.
* Drive innovation and best practice across all programme and planning outputs.
Client & Market Development
* Support and enhance existing relationships with major landed estates, developers, and funds.
* Proactively win new work and broaden the client base, acting as a key market‑facing leader.
* Represent the company at Partner level in pitches, workshops, and strategic client engagements.
* Provide trusted programme and planning advice during early project shaping.
Technical & Advisory Expertise
* Deliver specialist advice across early‑stage programme and planning activities including:
* Programme strategy, high‑level sequencing, and delivery routes
* Design stage planning, design programme reviews & strategic input
* Construction advisory, phasing, logistics, and procurement strategy
* Risk, scenario modelling, and programme optimisation
* Oversee the creation of robust detailed programmes and planning outputs across multiple sectors.
* Ensure technical excellence and consistency across all client deliverables.
Team Leadership
* Build, lead, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing Programme & Planning team.
* Shape recruitment strategy to support service line growth.
* Promote a collaborative, innovative and quality‑driven culture.
Experience & Requirements
Essential
* Strong track record within programme management, planning, or construction management.
* Experience working for either a Tier 1 contractor or a professional consultancy.
* Demonstrable business development achievements - winning work, building client relationships, and expanding service lines.
* Significant experience in commercial office projects, particularly at early stages.
* Proven experience providing programme strategy, planning, design advisory, and construction advisory.
* Strong leadership and team‑building capability with experience growing and managing teams.
Highly Desirable
* Experience in the hotels sector or hospitality‑led projects.
* Strong network across private sector developers, estates, and funds.
* Professional chartership or relevant industry accreditation.
Why Join?
* Opportunity to build and lead a flagship service line within a top consultancy.
* Senior position with strategic influence and Partner‑level autonomy.
* Prestigious client base with major UK estates and top‑tier developers.
* Competitive compensation package with significant bonus potential.
* Entrepreneurial environment that encourages innovation and service growth.