Head of Planning

The Opportunity

FutureGen Recruitment is proud to be supporting a long -established, multi -disciplinary property consultancy with a strong presence across the South East. With continued growth and success across the wider business, they are now seeking an experienced Head of Planning to lead and expand their Planning Department.

The Planning team works closely with Land & New Homes, Agricultural, Surveyors and colleagues across the wider business, advising a broad client base including farming clients, private and public landowners, and developers. The department prepares and presents planning submissions to Local Planning Authorities, Planning Committees and the Planning Inspectorate.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially focused planning professional who wants to shape the future of an established department within a highly respected property consultancy.

The Role

As Head of Planning, you will provide strategic leadership, drive business growth, and manage a team of Chartered Town Planners. You will also play a key role in strengthening the firm’s market position across Surrey and the surrounding region.

The successful candidate is likely to have significant experience in planning policy, development management and/or enforcement, with a strong understanding of Green Belt matters.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Develop and implement business plans to grow revenue and market share
  

• Identify new market opportunities and strengthen client relationships
  

• Lead high -value and complex planning projects
  

• Represent the business at industry events and professional forums
  

• Monitor market trends to inform strategy
  

Team Leadership & Management

• Line manage, mentor and develop a team of Chartered Planners
  

• Recruit and retain high -quality planning professionals
  

• Set objectives, conduct performance reviews and support CPD
  

• Foster a collaborative, high -performing team culture
  

• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance
  

Operational Delivery

• Oversee planning applications and appeals
  

• Prepare and present submissions to LPAs, Planning Committees and at appeal
  

• Negotiate complex applications through the development management process
  

• Manage multi -disciplinary project teams and external consultants
  

• Ensure exceptional client service standards
  

Cross -Company Collaboration

• Work closely with Land, Agricultural teams to unlock planning opportunities
  

• Contribute to wider business strategy and growth initiatives
  

About You

Essential:

• MRTPI Chartered
  

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in consultancy and/or local authority planning
  

• Proven record of securing planning permissions across varied development types
  

• Experience managing and developing teams
  

• Demonstrable business development capability
  

Technical & Professional Skills:

• Strong knowledge of UK planning policy and legislation
  

• Excellent report writing and advocacy skills
  

• Confident presenter at committee and appeal level
  

• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills
  

Commercial & Leadership Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
  

• Confident in driving revenue growth
  

• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams
  

• Strong client relationship management skills
  

Other Requirements:

• Full UK driving licence
  

• Commitment to CPD
  

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (CAD/QGIS desirable)
  

Why Apply?

• Senior leadership role with genuine influence
  

• Established and respected consultancy environment
  

• Strong internal collaboration across disciplines
  

• Competitive salary (DOE) plus profit share
  

• Long -term career progression potential
  

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: