Director – Planning Consultancy

Location: Leeds

An established planning consultancy is looking for an experienced planning professional to lead and grow its presence in Leeds. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in developing a regional office, winning new business and helping shape the future direction of the team.

The role offers significant autonomy and would suit someone who is motivated by building something from the ground up, rather than stepping into an established office.

You will be based from a shared office space in Leeds, working closely with a wider planning team located elsewhere in the business. You will have access to junior resource and support from colleagues across the wider business, with regular opportunities to collaborate. Travel to the company’s Kent and London offices will also be required periodically.

The Role

• Lead and represent the consultancy across Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
• Act as the local face of the business, developing its profile and reputation within the market.
• Provide high-quality planning advice and deliver projects for private-sector clients.
• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities and client relationships.
• Attend client meetings, networking events and industry gatherings, representing the business independently.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, clients and other key stakeholders.
• Help establish and grow the Leeds team over time, including supporting the recruitment of additional staff as the workload develops.
• Work autonomously on a day-to-day basis while remaining closely connected to the wider planning team.
• Make use of shared resources, expertise and support from colleagues across the business.
• Travel periodically to Kent and London for team meetings, collaboration and wider business activities.
• Contribute to the company’s profile through networking, industry events, professional bodies, speaking opportunities and thought leadership.

About You

Essential

• Experienced working within a private-sector planning consultancy.
• A strong self-starter who is comfortable working independently and managing their own workload.
• Confident representing a consultancy at client meetings, site visits and networking events.
• Established knowledge of, and professional connections within, Leeds and the wider Yorkshire market.
• Familiarity with relevant local authorities and the regional planning landscape.
• Commercially minded, with the ability and desire to develop new client relationships and win work.
• Able to commute to Leeds regularly and willing to travel periodically to other company offices.

Desirable

• Chartered membership of the RTPI, or working towards chartership.
• Previous experience working within or alongside a local authority.
• Full UK driving licence.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning professional who wants to take ownership of a regional market and have a genuine influence on how an office and team develops.

You will have the backing, resources and expertise of an established consultancy while having the freedom to build the Leeds presence in your own way. As the team grows, there is significant scope for leadership, progression and increased responsibility.