Director - Planning and Place

Interviews will take place week commencing 05/10/2026 and 12/10/2026

There will be a two stage interview process and you will be required to complete an online Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) prior to second stage. The second stage interview will include a focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

This is a senior leadership role within Greater Cambridge Development Corporation (GCDC), reporting to the Deputy CEO.

The post holder will work with economic, housing and other technical experts, local government, business, community and other stakeholders, to:

• provide strategic leadership of the Planning & Place Directorate, including setting the direction of the Directorate’s activities and management of its budget
• lead the setup of GCDC as a local planning authority (subject to the Parliamentary approval of the GCDC Planning Functions Order)
• lead the next phase of work on the Corporation’s Framework for Good Growth, including engagement with stakeholders and local communities.
• provide direction and strategic leadership to support unlocking and accelerating development on GCDC’s priority sites that will contribute to the overall growth ambition as set out in Framework for Good Growth.
• lead work on developing and delivering a Quality placemaking framework for GCDC.

The post holder will lead an existing team of c11 FTE and will oversee the further expansion of the team over the next 12-18 months. They will also be accountable for the delivery of a c £2m budget.

This role is being recruited by Homes England to support the establishment and operation of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation. The successful candidate will initially be employed by Homes England and will work predominantly on matters relating to the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation and its activities.

We are looking for someone with a proven track record in strategic planning and delivery or large-scale housing and economic growth to join our team. You should understand and be passionate about the planning and delivery of quality homes, placemaking and regeneration and want to work in an inclusive, supportive and driven team.

You will be motivated by the transformative impact of placemaking and understand the ability of a development led response to tackle social deprivation and economic underperformance.

The successful candidate will use their skills and experience in leadership, strategic planning and delivery of large scale economic and housing growth, complex infrastructure schemes and sustainability and placemaking to support the Cambridge ambition. An excellent understanding and practical experience of all aspects and stages of the planning system including both plan making and development management and working knowledge of CPO will also be valued.

The role also requires a deep understanding of sustainable place-making and relevant Government policies and priorities and will have experience of translating policy into operational delivery.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience of developing well-organised, effective teams and setting clear objectives aligned with the wider strategic ambitions for the wider team.

Homes England:
The Housing and Regeneration Agency

As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we create thriving new places and transform urban areas, combining the full breadth of our powers, expertise, land, capital and influence to bring investment to communities and get more homes built.

We form long-term partnerships that bridge the gap between the public and private sector to meet local needs and aspirations. And we use our funding and support to build a more resilient, diverse and innovative housing sector. Together with our…