Town Planning Director - Birmingham

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy in Birmingham is seeking an experienced planning professional to establish a new regional office. Responsibilities include office setup, business development, and team leadership. Successful candidates will have significant experience in planning consultancy, strong business acumen, and a proactive approach to client management. The role offers competitive remuneration and a clear path for career progression within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Performance-based incentives

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in town planning and development consultancy with a management role.
• Proven track record of managing major projects and clients.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for leading teams.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage a new office.
• Generate new business opportunities and build client base.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of consultants.
• Develop and implement growth strategies.
• Maintain strong client relationships and satisfaction.

Skills

Business development skills

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Job description

A leading North West based Planning Consultancy is expanding its operations into the Midlands and is seeking an aspirational and experienced planning professional to spearhead the launch of a new regional office. This is a unique opportunity to grow a business arm within an established, award winning and respected consultancy, offering significant autonomy and the potential for long‑term career progression, with full support and mentoring from the existing senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Office Leadership: Work alongside the existing senior leadership team to set up and manage the new office, including building a network of clients and trusted contacts, operational set‑up of the new office, input into recruitment and management of staff.
• Business Development: Utilise existing networks and industry connections to generate new business opportunities and build a strong client base in the region.
• Team Development: Recruit, mentor and lead a high‑performing team of planning and environmental consultants fostering a collaborative, efficient and friendly culture.
• Strategic Growth: Develop and implement strategies to grow the office’s presence and profitability, aligning with the firm’s overall objectives.
• Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of service and satisfaction.
• Senior Leadership Support: Work closely with the firm’s senior leadership team, who will provide strategic guidance, operational support and resources to ensure the success of the new office.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience: Significant experience in town planning and development consultancy, with a proven track record in a management role. Successfully managing and leading the full life cycle of major projects, including the management of clients, junior staff and collaborators.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong business development skills and client‑first approach, with the ability to win new business and manage client relationships effectively. A proactive approach to new business generation to maintain individual workload with additional work generated to feed junior colleagues thus making a significant contribution to annual financial targets.
• Network: Established connections and profile within the Midlands planning and development sector including with Local Planning Authority officers.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and inspire teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Effectively coaches junior staff through day to day interactions including giving constructive feedback where necessary.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and implement plans that drive business growth, profitability and operational efficiency.

Why This Role?

This is an exceptional and unique opportunity for a senior planning professional looking to take the next step in their career. The role offers the chance to shape the future of a new office within a respected consultancy, with the support and resources of an established firm. Competitive remuneration, performance‑based incentives, and a clear path for career progression are on offer.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via [e-mail]