At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Hive’s Planning team, delivering large-scale residential and mixed-use projects.
- Company: Join Hive, a top UK planning consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, hybrid working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for equity/profit share and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning while making a real impact in your community.
- 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’re 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: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Hive is an exceptional employer, recognised as the Insider North West Property Consultancy of the Year 2026, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers employees to lead transformative planning projects across the UK. With a competitive salary package, performance bonuses, and a clear route to equity for the right candidate, Hive prioritises employee growth and well-being, providing generous annual leave and hybrid working options from its vibrant Manchester City Centre fringe office. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping sustainable communities and making a meaningful impact in the planning sector.
Contact Details:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning (Director) in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with large-scale projects and your collaborative approach. We want to see how you can lead and grow teams, so share those success stories that demonstrate your skills!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Vision
As a potential Head of Planning, you’ll need to articulate your vision for the team and the projects you’ll be leading. Think about how you can contribute to Hive’s ambitions and be prepared to discuss your ideas on shaping the future of planning in the region.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company. Let’s make this happen together!
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 Planning team. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see evidence of your leadership abilities. Whether it's leading teams or managing client relationships, make sure to include examples that demonstrate your capability to guide and inspire others in a partnership-led environment.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the hiring process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Hive’s recent projects and achievements, especially those related to large-scale residential and mixed-use schemes. Familiarise yourself with their approach to partnership-led work and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their ambitious 2030 goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully developed client relationships and delivered results in a collaborative environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Market
Brush up on current trends in planning and development, particularly in the UK. Being able to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Hive’s future plans, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Hive is the right fit for you, too.
