Regional Director - Planning

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established planning consultancy is seeking a dynamic Regional Director to lead the Planning team in London. The role involves managing a team, driving growth, and handling client development across diverse sectors. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of professional experience, strong leadership capabilities, and a solid understanding of UK planning legislation. The role offers competitive benefits and the chance to shape a successful office within an ambitious practice.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Discounted gym memberships

Enhanced annual leave

Funded professional membership

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years' professional experience in planning, including leadership on large projects.
• 3-5+ years in a people management role within consultancy.
• Proven ability to manage high-value projects with minimal oversight.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor the London planning team.
• Support division strategy and business operations.
• Build relationships with clients and lead tenders.

Skills

Client relationship management

Negotiation skills

Project management

Leadership

Understanding UK planning legislation

Education

RTPI-accredited degree

Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI)

Job description

Overview

A well-established planning consultancy is seeking a dynamic and commercially focused Regional Director to lead the Planning team based in London. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to drive growth, manage a multidisciplinary team, and take responsibility for client development across a range of sectors including Residential, Commercial, and Estates. The successful candidate will help shape the direction of the division, contribute to the overall company strategy, and act as a senior representative of the business within the industry.

Responsibilities

• Team & Office Leadership: Manage and mentor the London planning team, overseeing project delivery, performance, and staff development.
• Strategic Oversight: Support the Director of Planning with division strategy and business operations.
• Client & Business Development: Build and strengthen relationships with new and existing clients. Lead client-facing activity including tenders, presentations, and negotiations. Identify growth opportunities across all sectors and convert them into revenue-generating projects.
• Cross-disciplinary Collaboration: Foster integration with other teams and disciplines across the company to deliver holistic client solutions.
• Project Delivery: Manage complex planning projects independently, including appeals and strategic planning assessments. Provide expert guidance to colleagues, clients, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Operational Responsibility: Oversee financial performance, resource planning, and SHEQ compliance for the office. Lead contractual negotiations with clients and suppliers.

Skills & Experience Required

• RTPI-accredited degree and Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
• Minimum 8 years' professional experience, including private sector exposure and leadership on large-scale schemes.
• 3-5+ years in a people management or operational leadership role, ideally within a consultancy setting.
• Proven ability to win and manage high-value projects with minimal senior oversight.
• Strong understanding of UK planning legislation and political context.
• Exceptional client relationship, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Advanced project management and report writing abilities.

What’s on Offer

• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; Medical cash plan; Discounted gym memberships; Employee assistance programme.
• Day-to-Day Flexibility: Enhanced annual leave + loyalty days; Hybrid working.
• Lifestyle discounts (retail, travel, entertainment); Recognition & Progression; Company bonus scheme; Defined promotion windows; Team celebrations and events.
• Future Planning: Enhanced pension contributions; Life assurance cover.
• Professional Development: Funded professional membership; Protected CPD time; Access to industry-leading learning resources; Clear career progression framework.

If you're an experienced planning professional with a strong network, leadership capability, and commercial drive, this is a unique opportunity to shape and grow a successful office within a collaborative and ambitious practice.