Director of Planning & Development

Who We Are

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

Department: Planning & Development

Reporting to: CEO

Grade: EXCO

Salary: Six-figure salary plus benefits

Base: Gravesend / London

Closing date: 16th August 2026

The Port of London Authority is looking for an exceptional leader to join its Executive Committee as Director of Planning & Development.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of the UK’s busiest port and inland waterway, helping to deliver sustainable growth, support nationally significant infrastructure projects and protect one of the country’s most important natural and economic assets.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the PLA’s planning, development and statutory consenting agenda, while playing a key role in shaping the organisation’s overall strategic direction.

• Lead the PLA's strategic approach to planning, development and statutory consenting.
• Influence policy and decision-making at national, regional and local levels.
• Represent the PLA on Planning issues with government departments, regulators, local authorities, developers and industry stakeholders.
• Support major infrastructure and regeneration projects across the Thames corridor.
• Provide leadership to a highly skilled professional team.
• Advise the Board and Executive Committee on planning and development matters.

• Significant experience in planning, development, infrastructure, regeneration or a related field.
• A strong track record of influencing complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience leading professional teams and delivering organisational change.
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting major investment or infrastructure projects.
• Credibility and proven experience operating at Board or Executive level.
• Degree-level qualification and relevant professional credentials.

• 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution
• Up to 10% performance bonus based
• 3 year incentive plan
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.

A thriving tidal Thames and home to the UK’s number one port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.