Head of Planning - Director

Director / Head of Planning

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.

The 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

The 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.