Location: Manchester (hybrid, min. 3 days in office)

Type: Full-time | Permanent

ABOUT THE ROLE

We have partnered with a growing, developer-facing planning consultancy with a strong pipeline and an established reputation across the North West of England. As they expand into new regional markets, they are looking for a Planning Director to lead that growth.

This is not a traditional director role. They want someone who brings commercial drive and entrepreneurial energy alongside technical planning expertise — someone motivated by building something, not just running it.

You will have real autonomy to shape a new market, supported by a stable and ambitious business with over 100 active projects across residential, regeneration, health and education, commercial, and care sectors.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Leading business development and work-winning
• Managing and growing key client relationships with developers, landowners, and stakeholders
• Delivering complex planning instructions to a high standard
• Acting as a visible ambassador for the business — networking, pitching, and building profile
• Recruiting and developing a team beneath you within the first 12 months

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Director-level experience gained within a private sector planning consultancy
• A demonstrable track record in BD and work-winning — this is as important as delivery
• Developer-facing experience and confidence managing commercially-driven instructions
• An entrepreneurial mindset and the energy to build a new market from the ground up
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence as a client-facing ambassador