Planning Director

Carrington West; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrington West is seeking a Planning Director in Guildford to lead strategically with a commercially minded approach. The role involves developing client relationships, winning new instructions and delivering high-quality planning outcomes across sectors.

You will join an established planning consultancy, shaping business growth, expanding the client portfolio, and mentoring a growing team. Guildford-based with hybrid working (two days in the office) and flexibility to work remotely for the

Qualifications

• Experience leading planning teams and managing client relationships.
• Strong track record of securing new instructions and revenue growth.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic planning advice across sectors.
• Excellent knowledge of the UK planning system and development processes.
• Commercial acumen with ability to contribute to business strategy.

Responsibilities

• Business development: Generate new instructions through your network and proactive outreach.
• Client management: Build and maintain relationships with developers, landowners, and stakeholders.
• Planning consultancy: Lead on complex planning projects and provide strategic advice.
• Commercial performance: Own fee generation and growth of your client portfolio.
• Leadership: Provide senior-level guidance to colleagues and shape the wider team.
• Strategic growth: Identify new markets and expand service offerings.
• Project delivery: Ensure high-quality, commercially focused planning outcomes.

Skills

Client development

Business development

Leadership

Strategic planning

UK planning system

Job description

Planning Director
Guildford, Surrey | Hybrid working, 2 days in the office

I'm working with an established, independent planning consultancy that is looking to expand its team with the appointment of a Planning Director in Guildford.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded planning professional to join a growing consultancy, bringing an established client base and the ability to generate new business, strengthen existing relationships and play a key role in the next phase of the business's development.

The consultancy works across a diverse range of sectors and projects, providing strategic planning advice and helping clients navigate complex planning challenges. With a strong technical offering already in place, the focus is on bringing in an individual who can build on this foundation and make a tangible contribution to continued growth.

The Opportunity
As Planning Director, you will combine your planning expertise with a strong commercial focus, taking responsibility for developing client relationships, winning new instructions and delivering successful planning outcomes.

You will have the opportunity to shape your own client portfolio, contribute to the wider business strategy and work alongside an experienced team on a varied range of development projects.

An established client base is crucial for this appointment. The business is looking for someone who can bring existing relationships, identify opportunities in the market and convert these into sustainable revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Business development: Generate new instructions through your existing client network, industry relationships and proactive business development.
• Client management: Build and maintain long-term relationships with developers, landowners, housebuilders and other key stakeholders.
• Planning consultancy: Lead on complex planning projects, providing strategic advice across applications, appeals, site promotion and development strategy.
• Commercial performance: Take ownership of fee generation, project opportunities and the growth of your client portfolio.
• Leadership: Provide senior-level guidance and support to colleagues, contributing to the development of the wider team.
• Strategic growth: Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team to identify new markets, expand service offerings and strengthen the consultancy's position in the sector.
• Project delivery: Ensure clients receive commercially focused, high-quality planning advice that supports successful project outcomes.

About You

I'm keen to speak with established planning professionals who have the experience, relationships and commercial drive to make an impact at Director level.

You will ideally have:

• A strong track record within a planning consultancy environment.
• An established and transferable client base, with the ability to bring work into the business.
• Proven business development skills and a history of generating fees and securing new instructions.
• Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system and experience delivering strategic planning advice.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify and develop new opportunities.
• The confidence and ambition to operate at a senior level and contribute to the future direction of the business.

This is an opportunity to join an established consultancy at an important stage of its growth, where your client relationships, commercial capability and planning expertise will be genuinely valued. Rather than simply managing projects, you'll have the scope to develop your own business, influence strategic decisions and help shape the continued expansion of the team.
The role is based in Guildford, with office attendance required twice per week and flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week.

Reference - 63716