Planning Director - Strategic Land

Taylor Herrick Recruitment; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading land promotion business is seeking a Strategic Planning Director to shape and execute their planning strategy. This role involves managing complex planning processes, leading a high-performing team, and representing the business at senior meetings. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategic land and a strong understanding of the UK planning system, offering board-level influence and executive-level remuneration.

Benefits

Executive-level remuneration with incentive opportunities

Board-level influence

Exposure to high-profile projects

Supportive, entrepreneurial culture

Qualifications

• 10–15 years’ experience in strategic land, consultancy, or housebuilding.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use consents.
• Excellent understanding of the UK planning system and local plan processes.

Responsibilities

• Set and lead the planning strategy for the business.
• Oversee planning applications, appeals, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of planners.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Commercial Awareness

Education

Chartered Member of the RTPI

Job description

Overview

This is a market-leading, privately owned land promotion business with an enviable track record in identifying, promoting, and delivering strategic land for residential and mixed-use development across the UK. They work in partnership with landowners, planning authorities, and stakeholders to unlock complex sites and deliver long-term value.

The Opportunity

Due to sustained growth, we are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Strategic Planning Director to lead the planning function. Reporting directly to the Board, you will shape and execute the planning strategy across a diverse portfolio, managing complex planning processes and driving successful outcomes that optimize land value and deliverables for both the business and landowner partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Set and lead the planning strategy for the business across all current and future land interests.
2. Oversee local plan promotions, planning applications, appeals, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
3. Lead and mentor a high-performing team of planners and external consultants.
4. Provide planning insight and commercial guidance during land acquisition, promotion, and disposal stages.
5. Actively monitor and influence emerging planning policy at local and national levels.
6. Represent the business at senior meetings with LPAs, landowners, legal teams, and JV partners.
7. Drive efficiencies, program management, and best-in-class reporting on planning matters to the Board.

Candidate Profile

• Chartered Member of the RTPI with at least 10–15 years’ experience, including senior leadership roles in strategic land, consultancy, or housebuilding.
• A proven track record of delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use consents.
• Excellent understanding of the UK planning system, local plan processes, and development viability.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others.
• Commercially astute with board-level communication skills and a strategic mindset.
• Credible, confident, and capable of operating at the highest levels both internally and externally.

What Is On Offer

• Board-level influence within a growing and respected business.
• Executive-level remuneration with incentive opportunities.
• Exposure to high-profile, high-value projects with impact.
• A supportive, entrepreneurial culture with a flat hierarchy and long-term vision.

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