Director - Infrastructure Planning

Job Title: Director of Town Infrastructure Planning

Location: Southampton
Salary: 75,000 - 85,000 + Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Town Infrastructure Planning to lead the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects. This senior leadership role will oversee complex planning programmes, with a particular focus on Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

• Lead the planning, development, and delivery of major infrastructure and regeneration projects.
• Provide strategic oversight of DCO, EIA, and NSIP processes from early development through to consent and implementation.
• Develop and implement planning strategies that support sustainable growth and infrastructure investment.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, providing clear direction, support, and accountability.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government bodies, local authorities, consultants, developers, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation, environmental regulations, and relevant policy frameworks.
• Provide expert advice to executive leadership on planning, infrastructure, and development matters.
• Identify project risks and opportunities, supporting informed decision-making and effective programme delivery.
• Represent the organisation in external meetings, consultations, and public-facing engagements where required.

• Significant senior-level experience in town planning, infrastructure planning, or major project delivery.
• Strong working knowledge of Development Consent Orders (DCOs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
• Proven experience managing complex planning applications and regulatory approval processes.
• Strong leadership experience, including managing high-performing teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of UK planning legislation, policy, and environmental frameworks.
• Strong commercial awareness, strategic thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent professional accreditation is highly desirable.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead nationally significant infrastructure and development programmes.
• A senior leadership position with strategic influence across the organisation.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking working environment.

Please get in contact with Matt Stevenson on (phone number removed) if this is of interest