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- Tasks: Lead the charge for healthier, fairer communities and innovative planning solutions.
- Company: Join the Town & Country Planning Association, a progressive charity with a rich legacy.
- Benefits: Shape impactful policies while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in planning and social justice at a pivotal moment for the sector.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for social justice and sustainable development.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence national debates and drive organisational growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lead the next chapter of progressive planning and champion healthier, fairer communities as the Chief Executive of the Town & Country Planning Association. The Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA) is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to drive our mission of creating healthy, sustainable, and socially just places for all. With a proud legacy dating back to 1899, the TCPA is a progressive, independent charity at the forefront of shaping policy and practice in planning, housing, and new town development. Our work blends advocacy, research, training, and collaboration—bringing together government, industry, and communities to tackle the UK’s most pressing challenges, from the housing crisis to climate resilience.
As Chief Executive, you will:
- Champion healthy placemaking, social justice, and practical solutions to the challenges facing people and places.
- Provide strategic leadership to a passionate, expert team and work closely with a committed Board of Trustees.
- Strengthen and amplify the TCPA’s influence as a trusted voice in national debates and strengthening relationships across government, industry, and civil society.
- Drive innovation and organisational growth, diversifying income streams, commercialising intellectual property, and forging new partnerships for a sustainable future.
- Inspire and engage members, partners, and stakeholders, representing the TCPA externally at the highest levels.
We are looking for:
- Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, membership body, public sector, or relevant organisation—ideally at Chief Executive or Director level.
- A track record of developing and delivering organisational strategy, business plans, and measurable impact.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience of managing budgets and securing funding from diverse sources.
- Outstanding communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent the organisation externally, including public speaking and media engagement.
- A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and a passion for social justice, healthy placemaking, and the TCPA’s mission.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of planning at a pivotal moment for the sector. If you are a strategic thinker, an inspiring leader, and share our vision for fairer, healthier, and more sustainable places, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Closing date for applications: 23:59 on 08/02/2026
Apply online at http://www.berwickpartners.co.uk/95190
If you are unable to apply online, please email your application to response.manager@berwickpartners.co.uk.
For queries or more information, contact: Thomas Ewen, Principal, Professional Bodies, Trade Associations and Membership Thomas.ewen@berwickpartners.co.uk OR Ruth Hernandez Turner Ruth.HernandezTurner@berwickpartners.co.uk
Chief Executive Officer employer: Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA)
Contact Detail:
Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning and charity sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for social justice and healthy placemaking in every conversation. When you meet someone, share your thoughts on current challenges in the sector and how you envision solutions. This will not only showcase your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the TCPA’s mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the TCPA’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your leadership experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic thinking and ability to drive innovation—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the TCPA team. Make sure to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social justice and healthy placemaking shine through. We want to see how your values align with the TCPA's mission, so don’t hold back on sharing what drives you!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive organisational strategy. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and vision for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply online at our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA)
✨Know Your TCPA Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Town & Country Planning Association's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their work on healthy placemaking and social justice. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Chief Executive, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in collaborative environments. Highlight your inclusive approach and how it has driven positive outcomes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Given the importance of financial acumen for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with budget management and securing funding. Bring specific examples of how you've diversified income streams or commercialised intellectual property in previous positions.
✨Prepare for Advocacy Scenarios
Expect questions about your advocacy skills and public representation. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences. Practise articulating your thoughts on current planning challenges and how you would address them as the TCPA's Chief Executive.
