Planning Director

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK planning consultancy is seeking a Planning Director to establish and lead its new Leeds office. This role offers the chance to shape a new team culture, build client relationships, and drive strategic growth for a respected consultancy. Candidates should have an entrepreneurial spirit, be well-connected in the planning market, and possess strong leadership skills. The position promises significant ownership, clear career progression, and a supportive operational framework.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Equity/bonus potential

Supportive national network

Qualifications

• Experience as a Planning Director or an Associate Director ready to step up.
• Connected in the Yorkshire/North planning market.
• Confident in winning work and fostering client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup and strategic growth of a new Leeds office.
• Develop a high-performing planning team.
• Generate new business and nurture client relationships.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Client relationship management

High-quality planning advice

Leadership and team development

Job description

Planning Director – New Leeds Office
Location: Leeds
Salary: Highly competitive + equity/bonus potential

A leading UK planning consultancy is embarking on an exciting phase of growth and is seeking an entrepreneurial Planning Director to establish and lead its brand-new Leeds office.

This is a rare opportunity for a senior planning professional who wants more than a traditional Director role. You will be the driving force behind launching, shaping, and growing a new regional presence for an established, respected consultancy with a strong national platform.

The Role

As Planning Director, you will:

• Lead the setup and strategic growth of a new Leeds office from the ground up
• Bring energy and ambition to develop a high‑performing planning team
• Generate new business and nurture existing client relationships across sectors
• Drive projects from initial instruction through to successful delivery
• Represent the business regionally and contribute to national strategy
• Enjoy genuine autonomy, backed by strong central operational and technical support

About You

We’re looking for a Planning Director – or an Associate Director ready to step up – who is:

• Entrepreneurial, commercially minded, and excited by the challenge of building an office
• Well‑connected in the Yorkshire/North planning market
• Confident winning work and fostering long‑term client partnerships
• Skilled in delivering high‑quality planning advice across a range of sectors
• Collaborative, people‑focused, and eager to shape a new team culture

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a consultancy with an exceptional reputation and a diverse, robust project pipeline
• Play a defining role in opening and scaling a new office
• Benefit from real progression, long‑term incentives, and leadership influence
• Work within a supportive national network while creating something uniquely yours

If you’re ready to take ownership of a new chapter – both for yourself and for a growing consultancy – we would love to speak with you.

To express interest or request a confidential conversation, please get in touch.