Planning Director

Director of Planning

Locations:
London, Cambridge, Bristol, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow.

As Director of Planning, you will provide strategic leadership across the UK planning practice, working closely with senior stakeholders to drive growth, enhance market presence and deliver technical excellence to clients.

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Provide strategic direction to the national Planning practice.
  • Support the development and delivery of business growth plans.
  • Lead, inspire and develop teams across multiple regions.
  • Foster a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Business Development
  • Drive work-winning activities and secure major infrastructure and development projects.
  • Identify emerging opportunities across sectors including energy, transport, water, housing and Net Zero.
  • Build and maintain a strong external profile within the industry.
  • Strengthen client relationships and market positioning.
• Client & Project Delivery
  • Act as lead director on flagship projects and key client accounts.
  • Deliver high‑quality planning advice across complex, multidisciplinary schemes.
  • Oversee commercial performance, governance and risk management.
  • Ensure technical excellence and outstanding client service.
• Collaboration
  • Work closely with planning, environmental, engineering and design teams.
  • Promote integrated delivery and a one‑team approach.
  • Contribute to innovation and thought leadership initiatives.
• People & Culture
  • Mentor and develop planning professionals across all levels.
  • Support talent development and succession planning.
  • Help attract and retain the industry’s best talent.
  • Champion an inclusive and collaborative working environment.

You will be an accomplished planning professional with a strong track record of leadership, business development and delivering major projects.

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning (RTPI accredited).
• Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Extensive consultancy experience, including leadership of high‑performing teams.
• Proven success in winning and delivering major infrastructure and development projects.
• Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and consenting regimes, including DCO experience where applicable.
• Excellent commercial awareness and experience managing complex client relationships.
• An established professional network and recognised industry profile.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.