Technical Director – Development Planning in London

Technical Director – Development Planning in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Wood

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead key government accounts and deliver innovative development planning projects.
  • Company: Join Wood, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Work from various UK locations and collaborate with a dynamic team.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of sustainable infrastructure and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Chartered Town Planner or relevant discipline with strong project delivery skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Wood is a world leading engineering and multi-disciplinary consultancy company across sustainable infrastructure. Wood is seeking a proven relationship and client director to lead key government accounts as part of our growing Built Environment team.

We have an order book of public sector projects from an established and growing client base including Homes England and need operational and relationship management expertise to lead and deliver framework opportunities for our clients. We are regularly involved from project inception through to development, from site finding, due diligence and site appraisal, design and assessment, consenting and delivery. The role is split evenly between operational project delivery and business development for our key public sector accounts. The successful candidate will be able to focus on operational delivery in a Project / Client Director and Technical Assurance role while helping to build relationships and grow the Built Environment business either via direct awards or bidding with knowledge. You will have a key role in shaping innovation in our products and services. With extensive experience and a recognised professional qualification (e.g. Chartered Town Planner), you will be the lynchpin between understanding our clients’ needs and mobilising, motivating and leading our internal teams to deliver work. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have experience in residential development and / or regeneration schemes. This role can be based in any of our UK office locations (Leamington Spa, Reading, London, Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Knutsford, Shrewsbury or Leeds).

Key Responsibilities

  • Project delivery: Lead and deliver for key clients such as Homes England and local government in terms of a portfolio of development planning projects. Mobilise and resource the best teams to deliver this work.
  • Client Leadership: Drive business growth in the Government land & development sector with particular focus on Homes England and local government. Raise the market profile of the business and establish/maintain strategic partnering relationships. Contribute to monthly business reporting on Government sector.
  • Growth & Strategy: Collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders across the Wood business, identify and lead the capture of important, complex and high-profile opportunities to grow the service offering and develop the existing client base. Leadership and direction of commercially astute bidding.
  • Supply chain management: Build upon the existing supply chain to add greater value to existing and new customers. Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers to create opportunity winning partnerships.
  • Ensuring work is delivered in accordance with Wood policies and procedures: health and safety, security, environment and quality.

Qualifications

Essential:

  • A Chartered Town Planner or relevant discipline, e.g. Surveyor or Architect.
  • Seller doer mentality taking responsibility for project delivery and business development.
  • Focused on the design outcome of the planning process.
  • Experience in delivery of place through regeneration and residential-led development.
  • Proven experience in the built environment sector at a senior level.
  • Management of multidisciplinary teams.
  • Managing and driving value from key accounts.
  • Strategic bidding large complex public sector projects and programmes.
  • Experienced networker.
  • Deep and long-term client relationships with Government sector (Central, Regional & Local).
  • Client and/or supply chain partnership management.

Desirable:

  • Active participation in regional or national professional institutions.

Qualifications

  • Town planning or relevant discipline (Surveyor / Architect) degree or masters.
  • Chartered Membership of relevant professional body (e.g. RTPI).

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world’s most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people.

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Technical Director – Development Planning in London employer: Wood

Wood is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and fosters a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for aspiring legal professionals. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and opportunities for growth in the dynamic energy sector. The hybrid work model in vibrant locations like Aberdeen or Reading further enhances work-life balance, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Wood

Contact Details:

Wood Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Director – Development Planning in London

Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Wood, to express your interest!

Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Technical Director – Development Planning at Wood.

We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director – Development Planning in London

Project Delivery
Client Leadership
Business Development
Strategic Bidding
Supply Chain Management
Relationship Management
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wood

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!