Director

You will be working for a leading Architectural consultancy that has been established for over twenty-five years.

About the Role

The Planning Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure business strategies and targets are set and aligned with the company's mission, goals and culture. This role is responsible for the development and execution of the business plan, achieving growth and profitability targets, and overseeing the successful delivery of planning projects. The role involves overseeing the day-to-day activities of the company, leading planning teams, and ensuring that projects are executed to the highest standards. The Planning Director will be responsible for the planning strategy, quality assurance, and implementation of best practices while maintaining a strong focus on team development, client relationships, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Collaborate with the Board to set business strategies, ensuring planning operations align with company objectives and industry standards.
• Hold financial responsibility for planning projects, including budget management, invoicing, and expenditure control, ensuring profitability and financial sustainability.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building and maintaining strong relationships to drive satisfaction and long-term partnerships.
• Ensure all planning applications and projects comply with UK planning laws, building regulations, fire safety standards, and other relevant legal requirements.
• Lead initiatives to enhance planning processes, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with best practices and regulatory changes.
• Represent the company at networking events, industry conferences, and client meetings, securing new business opportunities and strengthening the firm’s reputation.

Project & Team Management

• Manage the Planning Team, overseeing project workload, resource allocation, and effective delegation of tasks.
• Oversee planning projects from Work Stage 0-3, ensuring smooth progression, high-quality outputs, and client satisfaction.
• Conduct consultations with local authorities, community groups, and government agencies, negotiating planning permissions and agreements.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit modelling, and architectural report production, maintaining high standards in design and technical outputs.
• Ensure planning projects align with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and BREEAM sustainability requirements.
• Identify potential risks associated with planning applications and projects, developing mitigation strategies to address challenges.
• Stay updated on evolving planning laws, building technologies, and industry trends through Continuous Professional Development (CPD), training programs, and professional organisation memberships.

Technical Excellence & Compliance

• Inspire and lead the Planning Team, ensuring high performance, collaboration, and alignment with the company's strategic goals.
• Oversee the smooth execution of planning projects, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and quality delivery within timelines and budgets.
• Confidently engage with clients, government bodies, and industry professionals, influencing key decision‑making processes.
• Address planning challenges proactively, implementing solutions that align with business and regulatory requirements.
• Continuously seek improvements in planning processes, integrating technology and best practices to enhance efficiency.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated experience in managing planning teams, projects and client relationships at a senior level.
• Strong understanding of UK planning laws, building regulations and industry compliance requirements.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit and other relevant planning software, with the ability to manage digital workflows.
• Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring cost‑effective project delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Experience in identifying and mitigating risks associated with planning applications, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

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