Planning Director
Location: Cambridge (Hybrid – 3 days per week in the office)
Salary: Competitive + Outstanding Bonus & Benefits
A leading UK development consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced Planning Director to join its thriving Cambridge office. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded planning professional with an established client base and a strong track record of winning work, building relationships, and driving business growth. As a senior leader within the planning team, you will play a pivotal role in supporting an existing portfolio of projects while identifying and securing new opportunities across a broad range of sectors.
The Opportunity
You will become part of a well‑established planning team of approximately 15 professionals, ranging from Graduate Planner through to Executive Director level. The consultancy delivers planning services across a diverse range of sectors, including:
- Residential development
- Strategic land promotion
- Infrastructure projects
- Energy schemes
- Mixed‑use developments
- Commercial planning
This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical planning expertise with commercial acumen and a passion for developing long‑term client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning projects from initial instruction through to successful delivery.
- Leverage your existing client network to generate new business opportunities.
- Support and expand the current client portfolio.
- Provide strategic planning advice across a variety of development sectors.
- Mentor and develop junior members of the planning team.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across the wider consultancy.
- Contribute to the continued growth and success of the Cambridge office and the national planning business.
About You
- Significant experience within UK town planning.
- An established client base with the ability to generate new business and fees.
- Strong leadership and business development skills.
- Commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Experience leading complex planning projects and applications.
- MRTPI qualification (or equivalent) preferred.
Flexible Working
The consultancy offers a flexible hybrid working model, requiring three days per week in the office, with client meetings counting as office attendance, allowing for greater flexibility and autonomy.
Reward & Benefits
Alongside a competitive salary, the successful candidate will receive an excellent benefits package including:
- Director Bonus Scheme – up to 25% of annual salary
- Performance year runs from April to April
- Bonus paid in two instalments each year (June and December)
- 28 days annual leave
- Bank Holidays in addition
- 3 additional gifted days over the Christmas period
- Life insurance from day one
- Private healthcare
- Medicash cash plan, including dental and optical cover (available after one month of employment)
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
