Planning Director

Planning Director

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Penguin Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the launch and growth of a new office, driving projects and client relationships.
  • Company: A leading UK planning consultancy with a strong national presence.
  • Benefits: Highly competitive salary, equity/bonus potential, and genuine autonomy.
  • Other info: Opportunity for real progression and leadership influence in a supportive network.
  • Why this job: Shape a new team culture and play a key role in an exciting growth phase.
  • Qualifications: Entrepreneurial mindset, strong connections in the Yorkshire/North planning market.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

A leading UK planning consultancy is embarking on an exciting phase of growth and is seeking an entrepreneurial Planning Director to establish and lead its brand-new Leeds office. This is a rare opportunity for a senior planning professional who wants more than a traditional Director role. You will be the driving force behind launching, shaping, and growing a new regional presence for an established, respected consultancy with a strong national platform.

The Role

  • Lead the setup and strategic growth of a new Leeds office from the ground up
  • Bring energy and ambition to develop a high-performing planning team
  • Generate new business and nurture existing client relationships across sectors
  • Drive projects from initial instruction through to successful delivery
  • Represent the business regionally and contribute to national strategy
  • Enjoy genuine autonomy, backed by strong central operational and technical support

About You

  • Entrepreneurial, commercially minded, and excited by the challenge of building an office
  • Well-connected in the Yorkshire/North planning market
  • Confident winning work and fostering long-term client partnerships
  • Skilled in delivering high-quality planning advice across a range of sectors
  • Collaborative, people-focused, and eager to shape a new team culture

Why This Opportunity?

  • Join a consultancy with an exceptional reputation and a diverse, robust project pipeline
  • Play a defining role in opening and scaling a new office
  • Benefit from real progression, long-term incentives, and leadership influence
  • Work within a supportive national network while creating something uniquely yours

If you’re ready to take ownership of a new chapter - both for yourself and for a growing consultancy - we would love to speak with you. To express interest or request a confidential conversation, please get in touch.

Planning Director employer: Penguin Recruitment

Penguin Recruitment is an excellent employer for Geotechnical Engineers in Cardiff, offering a supportive environment that prioritises career growth and chartership opportunities. With a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and flexible perks, employees can thrive while working on technically challenging projects that make a real impact.

Penguin Recruitment

Contact Details:

Penguin Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning Director

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals in the Yorkshire/North planning market. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Planning Director role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your entrepreneurial spirit! When you’re chatting with potential employers, highlight your past successes in building teams or offices. Share specific examples of how you’ve driven growth and fostered client relationships. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but are ready to take ownership of a new office.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those interviews! Research the consultancy thoroughly and come armed with ideas on how you’d approach setting up the Leeds office. Think about the local market and how you can leverage your connections to generate new business. This shows you’re serious about making an impact from day one.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team and being part of something special as we grow together.

We think you need these skills to ace Planning Director

Strategic Growth
Team Leadership
Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Project Delivery
Market Knowledge
Planning Advice

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When writing your application, let your entrepreneurial side shine through! We want to see how you can bring energy and ambition to the role, so share examples of how you've successfully built or led projects in the past.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your experience in the Yorkshire/North planning market and how it aligns with our vision for the new Leeds office. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with our needs!

Demonstrate Your Collaborative Nature:We’re all about teamwork here at StudySmarter, so don’t forget to mention your collaborative experiences. Share stories that showcase how you’ve worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in a leadership context.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin Recruitment

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and their projects. Understand their values, recent achievements, and how they operate in the Yorkshire/North planning market. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.

Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

As a Planning Director, they’re looking for someone who can build and lead a new office. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully launched initiatives or led teams in the past. Highlight your commercial mindset and any experience you have in generating new business or nurturing client relationships.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to drive projects from start to finish. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve had to overcome challenges or make strategic decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.

Emphasise Team Culture and Collaboration

They want someone who is people-focused and eager to shape a new team culture. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within a team. Share examples of how you’ve built strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike.