Job Description

Director of Planning + £1,500 Placement Bonus

Location: Cambridge or Bristol (Hybrid Available)
Salary: £70,000+ (DOE)
£1,500 Placement Bonus*

Lead, inspire, and shape the future of planning within a growing consultancy.

About Us

Our client is a well-established environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality planning and environmental solutions across the UK. Their Planning team has grown significantly in recent years, supporting projects in renewable energy, residential development, commercial infrastructure, and Net Zero initiatives.

With a culture built on collaboration, professional development, and innovation, they’re now seeking a senior leader to drive the success of their Planning department in Cambridge or Bristol.

The Role

We’re seeking an experienced and commercially minded Planning Director to take full responsibility for running and growing the Planning function within one of the firm’s key regional offices.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll manage and mentor a team of planners, oversee the successful delivery of complex projects, and act as the face of the business with key stakeholders and clients. You’ll play an active role in winning new work, building strong relationships across both public and private sectors, and ensuring the Planning team delivers best-in-class consultancy services.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage the Planning department, ensuring smooth operations and outstanding project delivery.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with stakeholders, local authorities, and key clients.
• Drive business development, securing new projects and expanding the consultancy’s client base.
• Oversee complex planning applications, appeals, and policy work.
• Provide strategic planning advice across a wide range of sectors.
• Mentor, inspire, and grow a team of planners, ensuring continued professional development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across ecology, hydrology, environmental, and design teams to deliver multi-disciplinary solutions.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Chartered Member of the RTPI.
• Extensive experience in planning consultancy or local authority, ideally with leadership responsibility.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong understanding of planning law, policy, and procedures across multiple sectors.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to grow and develop a regional office.
• Full, clean UK driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable:

• Experience working on major projects within renewable energy, residential, or infrastructure.
• Established network of clients and contacts in the planning and development sector.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through growth phases.

What We Offer

• A minimum £70,000 salary, with scope to increase depending on experience.
• £1,500 Placement Bonus.
• Autonomy to lead and shape the future of the Planning department.
• Opportunities to win work, grow the client base, and drive your own vision for success.
• Hybrid working (flexible office/home split).
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team with clear career progression at Board level.
• Vibrant, modern offices in Cambridge and Bristol.

How to Apply

Take the next step in your career:

• Email your CV to talent@talent-torch.co.uk.
• Apply online at www.talent-torch.co.uk/vacancies.

Join a consultancy that values your expertise and ambition. Apply now!

How the Placement Bonus Works:

Earn the stated bonus when you secure this job through Talent Torch. You’ll receive 50% of the bonus within 14 days of employer payment, and the remaining 50% after completing 90 days in the role. Direct applications or jobs secured via other means aren’t eligible. Subject to Terms & Conditions available on our website.