Director / Head of Planning
North of England (hybrid / flexible regional coverage) - 100k DOE
The Job
This is a rare Director-level opportunity to establish, lead, and scale a Planning & Development function from the ground up within a well-established, multi-disciplinary consultancy. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for creating a high-performing planning division, shaping its strategy, defining its service offering, and building a team capable of delivering complex planning advice across rural, residential, and strategic land projects. This is a practice-building leadership role with full autonomy, reporting directly into the senior leadership team.
Company
Building and leading a Planning & Development team across multiple offices
Defining the structure, capability, and commercial direction of the planning function
Developing and executing a growth strategy for planning services
Acting as lead advisor on major planning applications, appeals, and strategic land promotion
Driving new business development and expanding client relationships
Working closely with land, agency, valuation, and rural consultancy teams to unlock cross-service opportunities
Representing the planning function at board and senior leadership level
Establishing the division as a key revenue and influence driver within the business
The Candidate
MRTPI qualified (or equivalent senior professional accreditation)
Operating at Director or Associate Director level within consultancy or development
Experienced in residential, rural, or strategic land planning
Proven in managing complex planning projects, including appeals and Local Plan work
Comfortable leading client relationships at a senior level
Experienced in mentoring or leading teams, with ambition to build something larger
Strong in business development, with a track record of generating or influencing revenue
Have helped grow or shape a planning team or service line
Want autonomy and influence rather than corporate constraint
Have a strong network across landowners, developers, or rural clients
Are commercially minded and motivated by building something long-term
Understand the intersection of planning, land value, and development strategy
Package
Salary £100k DOE
Performance-related bonus linked to growth and team performance
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
Significant autonomy and board-level exposure
Clear long-term progression opportunity, including potential for enhanced senior leadership or equity-style participation depending on impact and growth
Candidate Requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
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