At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Hive's Planning team, delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use projects.
- Company: Join Hive, named Insider North West Property Consultancy of the Year 2026.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonus, hybrid working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning in the UK and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: MRTPI chartered with 10+ years of consultancy experience in planning.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
We're hiring a Head of Planning to lead and grow Hive's Planning team. This is a critical senior appointment as we scale toward our 2030 ambition: to become one of the UK's largest independent planning, development and socio‑economics consultancies.
Hive has just been named Insider North West Property Consultancy of the Year 2026 (and shortlisted for the forthcoming RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence). We advise on some of the region's most significant large‑scale and transformational residential‑led regeneration and new settlement schemes — various Garden Villages/New Settlements, Cotton Works Wigan, Mayoral Development Zones and the Barrow Housing Delivery Strategy among them.
Our work is partnership‑led and collaborative. We work alongside local authorities, developers, landowners and public‑sector partners to help turn complex plans into deliverable places — and we expect the person leading our Planning team to do the same.
The package
- Base salary £75k–£95k DOE
- Performance bonus
- Route to equity / profit share for the right person
- 25 days' annual leave + birthday off + Christmas closure
- Hybrid working from our Manchester City Centre fringe office (Salford)
- Comprehensive pension and benefits
What you'll do
- Lead, grow and develop the Planning team
- Own the Planning service line end‑to‑end
- Lead delivery on Hive's largest residential and mixed‑use instructions
- Develop existing client and partner relationships, and build new ones, through a collaborative, partnership‑focused approach
- Sit at the senior leadership table and help shape Hive's next phase
What we need from you
- MRTPI chartered
- 10+ years post‑qualification experience
- Consultancy experience somewhere in your career (you understand fee earning, utilisation, BD and client‑facing delivery)
- A track record on large‑scale residential and mixed‑use schemes — strategic sites, urban extensions, garden villages / new settlements, urban regeneration, volume housebuilder portfolios or major RP/affordable schemes
- Demonstrable experience acting for both public sector clients (LPAs, Homes England, Combined Authorities, RPs) and private sector clients (housebuilders, land promoters, developers, investors)
- A collaborative, partnership‑led mindset — comfortable working alongside clients and co‑consultants
- Evidence of leading teams (internal and external). You don't need the "Head of Planning" job title today, we are keen to hear from those ready to step up
- UK right to work strongly preferred
- Currently Associate Director, Director, Principal or equivalent in a planning consultancy (or someone with such a position in their recent past). Visible sector profile — speaker slots, awards shortlists, sector body involvement.
Location
Based anywhere within sensible commuting distance of Manchester (NW, NE, Yorkshire, North Midlands) or willing to relocate. Project work is UK‑wide; the team is Manchester‑centred.
How to apply
This is a senior, confidential hire. Get in touch directly with Mark Vaughan or Stuart Sage for a discreet first conversation. All enquiries handled in strict confidence.
Head of Planning (Director) in Manchester employer: Hive Land & Planning
Hive Land & Planning is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers employees to lead significant planning projects across the UK. With a competitive salary package, performance bonuses, and a clear route to equity, we prioritise employee growth and well-being, providing 25 days of annual leave plus additional time off. Our Manchester-based team thrives on partnership-led initiatives, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the planning sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning (Director) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Planning role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Consider writing articles or giving talks about your experiences in large-scale residential projects. This will not only boost your profile but also demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring managers or team members on LinkedIn. A personal touch can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Applying through our site gives you a direct line to us and shows your genuine interest in Hive.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning (Director) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Planning role. Highlight your consultancy experience and any large-scale projects you've led, as this will show us you're the right fit for our ambitious plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about planning and how your collaborative mindset can help grow our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hive Land & Planning
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Hive's recent projects and their approach to planning. Familiarise yourself with large-scale residential schemes and regeneration projects they've been involved in. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing client relationships and delivering complex projects. This is crucial for a senior role, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration.
✨Understand the Market
Brush up on current trends in the planning and development sector, especially in the North West. Being able to discuss market dynamics and how they impact Hive’s ambitions will demonstrate your strategic thinking and industry knowledge.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Hive's future plans and how the Planning team fits into their 2030 vision. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
