Strategic Leader, Heritage Planning Consultancy

Wessex Archaeology Ltd; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wessex Archaeology is seeking a strategic leader for the Planning and Heritage Consultancy Directorate in the UK. You will shape the professional direction of the consultancy, lead senior colleagues, and be accountable for the service's performance, finances, and risk.

You will maintain client relationships, drive business development, and collaborate with other directors to align with organisational priorities.

Qualifications

• Specialist expertise in historic environment planning consultancy with knowledge of UK planning system, heritage legislation and professional standards.
• Experience advising on complex or sensitive heritage matters with ability to explain and support recommendations clearly.
• Evidence of setting direction and delivering results through others in team or project leadership.
• Commercial judgement and experience managing project or service finances, including fee proposals, budgets and forecasts.
• Experience building productive relationships with clients and professional partners and developing business opportunities.
• Ability to work across disciplines and translate ideas into practical service improvements.
• Membership of a relevant professional body is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction and priorities for your team, aligning service development with Wessex Archaeology's strategy.
• Provide senior oversight of historic environment assessment and advice, including technical review and judgement on complex planning and development matters.
• Lead and develop the team through Principals and senior colleagues, with clear responsibilities and professional development focus.
• Set and deliver the Consultancy budget, with accountability for revenue and profitability, matching capacity to demand.
• Represent Wessex Archaeology with clients, planning authorities and professional partners to secure commissions and business development.
• Coordinate consultancy and specialist input across projects and shape service development with other Directors.
• Oversee quality assurance and management of project, contractual and health and safety risks.
• Contribute to organisational strategy through the Senior Leadership Group.

Skills

Historic environment planning

Team leadership

Business development

Client relationship management

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Financial management

Professional standards

Job description

Wessex Archaeology is seeking a strategic leader for the Planning and Heritage Consultancy Directorate in the UK. You will shape the professional direction of the consultancy, lead senior colleagues, and be accountable for the service's performance, finances, and risk.

You will maintain client relationships, drive business development, and collaborate with other directors to align with organisational priorities.