Principal Development Lead

At Berrys, we are all about land and property. Working from four offices across the Midlands, we offer an array of services - planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation and business consultancy - to help our clients make the most of their assets.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary development team made up of engineers, surveyors, archaeologists, planners and architects. This role would benefit from an individual who is experienced in creating growth and establishing a presence in the Planning, Architecture and Building Surveying space. The successful candidate would have a track record of growing teams, creating brand awareness and establishing strong networks and relationships.

• Be the internal figurehead of our planning and development offer within the Hereford office and be the go-to for technical expertise.
• Be experienced and comfortable delivering planning consultancy work in several different sectors and services, including general planning advice as well as strategic planning advice.
• Deliver on delivery obligations, working alongside the team to coordinate and prepare planning applications, provide expert advice to clients and have experience in dealing with post-planning negotiations and appeal work.
• Have a strong understanding of the entire development process, particularly post-planning work such as technical design, procurement and construction-phase services.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills by coordinating teams both internally and externally, identifying the correct delivery team, managing client risks and project programmes.
• Offer support to other members of the team and help to grow and develop their knowledge and understanding of planning and the wider development offer.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the financial requirements of our business and shape the way the team works to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability.

• Quickly gain a strong understanding of the business model, our various service offerings, and how they work together to create a unique offer to our clients.
• Demonstrate the ability to cross-sell other services such as Land Promotion, Agency and Valuation.
• Utilise a track record of marketing, business development and brand awareness to demonstrably grow our development offer within Hereford.
• Create a strong network of developers, landowners, promoters and agents within the area and begin to increase the baseline of planning and development instructions.
• Utilise existing connections and relationships to increase the level and quality of our instructions within Hereford.
• Gain an intimate understanding of our planning offer, the opportunities and weaknesses that we currently face and implement a plan to diversify.

• Excellent people management and team-building skills.
• Ability to set technical vision and strategy.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail.
• Resilient under pressure and adaptable to change.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Relevant qualifications to support the role (MRTPI).
• Full, clean UK driving licence essential due to regular travel between sites and client meetings.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, to be worked flexibly Monday-Friday in line with our Agile Working Philosophy.

• The role sits within a friendly and supportive team with opportunities to develop.
• We will offer an excellent salary for the right candidate reflective of your skills, qualifications and experience.
• We will pay all the appropriate professional memberships and fund your attendance at relevant CPD events and time off for approved training.
• We provide Private Healthcare scheme for all via BUPA.
• We have an Employee Assistance Programme, including a health plan and annual flu jab.
• We have an Agile Working Philosophy allowing for a mix of remote and office working.
• We provide an entitlement of 35 days holiday per annum (pro rata to working hours) inclusive of bank holidays.
• An additional day off to celebrate your Birthday.
• We give an additional day of holiday for every 3 years of service.
• There is potential for discretionary bonus.
• We provide an enhanced workplace pension scheme operated through the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST).
• Following successful probation period, access to employee loan and employee discount on Berrys services.
• We offer salary sacrifice schemes for Electric Vehicles and Cycle to Work schemes.

Closing Date: 7th April 2026. Please note that we may close this role early if sufficient applications are received, therefore it is recommended to apply early if you match the criteria.