Head of Planning

Bromford; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing residential development organization is seeking a head of planning to lead their planning team and drive growth. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, experience in planning approvals for residential developments, and the ability to negotiate with local authorities. This permanent, full-time role is based in Wolverhampton with travel required across the geography. Closing date for applications is September 30.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing planning approvals for residential housing programmes.
• Experience in budgeting and resource allocation.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the planning team.
• Negotiate agreements with Local Authorities.
• Ensure planning proposals align with strategic objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

Job description

Overview

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for shaping residential developments? Do you have the vision and experience to lead a high-performing planning team and deliver a sector-leading development programme?

We're looking for a head of planning to join our operations leadership team and take full accountability for Bromford ambitious planning function. In this pivotal role, you'll help drive our growth strategy - securing high-quality, timely planning approvals and unlocking maximum value through strategic planning gains.

This role is permanent and full time. You can be based from any of our main offices in Chipping Sodbury, Tewkesbury or Wolverhampton with regular travel across our geography required.

What you'll be doing

• Lead, inspire, and manage a high-performing planning team, including external consultants, providing clear direction and expert guidance.
• Ensure planning proposals are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with Bromford's strategic objectives.
• Negotiate planning gain and Section 106 agreements with Local Authorities to achieve optimal outcomes for each development.
• Oversee planning due diligence on land acquisitions, identifying risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain robust systems, processes, and reporting structures to ensure effective planning control across all projects.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to support growth and deliver high-quality developments.
• Lead innovation and continuous improvement within the planning function, staying ahead of industry trends and best practice.

What you'll bring

• Proven experience managing and delivering planning approvals for residential volume housing programmes.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, and implementing change.
• Knowledge of planning legislation, health and safety, and risk management.
• RTPI-accredited degree, with Associate or Licentiate membership of RTPI (or working towards full membership).
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Strategic thinking, agility, and a drive for results, even in complex or ambiguous situations.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills to support effective decision-making.
• Full UK driving licence and ability to complete a DBS Basic and Consumer Check.

Closing date

The closing date is 30 September with first stage interviews taking place via teams on 9 & 10 October.

Why join us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a key function in a growing organisation, shaping the future of residential development and making a real impact on communities.

We're part of Bromford Flagship, and our purpose is clear: enable everyone to thrive. Our vision is that everyone has a safe, affordable home. With over 80,000 homes across east, central, and southwest England, we have the scale, expertise, and commitment to keep building for the future.