Principal Planning Consultant / Development lead

Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead Northamptonshire Full-time Agile Working Excellent Benefits

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Principal Planning Consultant / Development Lead to take on a pivotal role within a well established, multi disciplinary property and development consultancy. This position is ideal for a driven individual who enjoys shaping strategy, leading teams and creating commercial growth within the planning and development space.

This role offers genuine autonomy, a collaborative culture and the chance to make a measurable impact on both the business and the built environment.

The Opportunity

You will join a respected consultancy offering planning, architecture, building surveying, and development services through a talented, multidisciplinary team. The organisation is large enough to offer diverse projects and career development opportunities, yet small enough to remain agile, personable and supportive.

A strategic need has arisen for a leader who can drive growth, establish a strong market presence and elevate the planning and development offer locally. This is a high impact role where you'll shape both operational delivery and long term strategy.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Act as the internal figurehead for the planning and development function within the office.
• Deliver planning consultancy across multiple sectors, offering both general and strategic planning advice.
• Lead and support the preparation of planning applications, post planning negotiations and appeal work.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the full development cycle, including technical design, procurement and construction phase processes.
• Coordinate internal and external multidisciplinary teams, ensuring strong project and programme management.
• Support, mentor and develop team members, strengthening technical and commercial capabilities.
• Contribute to financial performance by driving improved efficiency, profitability and service quality.

Strategic Growth & Business Development

• Build a deep understanding of the consultancy's service offering and how each discipline integrates to add value.
• Identify and capitalise on cross selling opportunities across land promotion, agency, valuation and related services.
• Lead business development activities to grow the consultancy's planning and development presence across Northamptonshire.
• Develop and maintain strong networks with developers, promoters, landowners and agents.
• Drive an increase in both the volume and quality of planning and development instructions.
• Assess the current offer, identify opportunities for diversification and implement plans to expand service lines and market reach.

Person Specification

• Proven leadership, people management and team building skills
• Strong decision making and problem solving capabilities
• Ability to set technical direction and strategic vision
• Confidence operating in a fast paced, evolving environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement
• MRTPI qualification (essential)
• Full UK driving licence (regular travel required)

Benefits

• Competitive salary, reflective of experience and expertise
• Funded professional memberships and CPD
• Private healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing benefits
• Agile working (mix of office and remote)
• 35 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Additional holiday for every 3 years of service
• Discretionary bonus potential
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Salary sacrifice schemes (EV & Cycle to Work)
• Employee loan scheme and service discounts (post probation)

Interested?

If you're an experienced Planning Consultant ready to lead, grow and make an impact - we'd love to discuss this opportunity with you.