Head of Planning

Location: UK (Hybrid)

Sector: Infrastructure / Energy / Industrial Development

Reports to: Projects Director

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Planning to lead the planning function across a portfolio of complex development projects. This senior role will have responsibility for shaping planning strategy, managing applications from feasibility through consent, and providing expert internal advice to support long-term development objectives.

The successful candidate will act as the organisation’s in-house planning authority, reducing reliance on third-party consultants while ensuring high-quality, compliant, and commercially sound planning outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Planning Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the end-to-end planning process for new development projects, including new sites, associated infrastructure, operational expansions, and variations.
• Manage planning strategies, application submissions, and approvals across multiple concurrent projects.
• Ensure planning risks, dependencies, and timelines are actively managed and mitigated.
• Build strong, effective relationships with local planning authorities, statutory consultees, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the organisation at planning committees, public consultations, and strategic meetings.
• Lead negotiations on planning conditions, obligations, and design amendments.
• Monitor and interpret national, regional, and local planning policy, advising senior leadership on implications for development strategy and site acquisition.
• Provide early-stage planning input to influence site selection, master planning, environmental assessments, and design development.
• Advise on planning opportunities and constraints to support future pipeline growth.
• Provide technical leadership to internal teams and manage external planning consultants and specialists.
• Oversee consultant selection, scope, performance, and budgets.
• Ensure consistently high standards of planning documentation, evidence, and reporting.
• Act as the primary internal decision-maker on planning strategy within agreed authority levels.
• Manage planning-related budgets and consultancy spend.
• Escalate material risks or deviations affecting cost, scope, or programme to senior leadership.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline.
• Chartered Member of the RTPI (or equivalent).
• 5–10+ years’ experience delivering planning outcomes for commercial, industrial, or infrastructure developments.
• Strong working knowledge of planning legislation, environmental regulation, and development economics.
• Proven experience managing complex planning applications and negotiations with planning authorities.
• Confident providing robust, independent technical advice in-house.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

If you are interested in hearing more please reach out at h.lowther@brightsmithgroup.com or apply below.