Lead Planning Director

Description:

FutureGen Recruitment is seeking an accomplished and commercially minded Lead Planning Director to spearhead and grow the Birmingham planning office for a leading consultancy. This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape the West Midlands growth story, lead high-profile projects, and build a dynamic in-house team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, winning new work, and delivering complex, multi-stakeholder schemes across sectors such as residential, mixed-use, commercial, logistics, energy, and regeneration. This position combines technical leadership with commercial acumen, offering a chance to make a tangible impact on the region’s future development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and expand the Birmingham planning team, setting strategic direction and mentoring both senior and junior talent.

• Drive business growth by originating new work and managing key client relationships.

• Oversee and direct major planning applications and appeals, including EIA/socio-economic cases and transport/heritage considerations.

• Collaborate with in-house experts across transport, design, heritage, townscape, engagement, and sustainability for integrated project delivery.

• Shape consultation processes and narratives with engagement specialists to secure positive planning outcomes.

• Represent the business regionally through thought leadership, panels, and partnerships aligned with the West Midlands growth agenda.

What You’ll Bring:

• MRTPI (or equivalent) with significant post-chartership experience.

• Proven track record of leadership in planning teams and project portfolios, ideally with strong market credibility in the West Midlands.

• Commercial success in winning, scoping, and delivering complex, multi-disciplinary schemes.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to balance technical, political, and commercial perspectives.

• A collaborative leadership style that integrates expertise from multiple disciplines to drive success.

What’s on Offer:

• Senior leadership package with excellent base salary (£80K–£120K annually, approx. £6666–£10000 monthly) plus bonus and benefits.

• Autonomy and flexibility to shape the Birmingham team and influence the region’s planning pipeline.

• Access to cutting-edge tools and innovation support, including digital-first engagement solutions, virtual site experiences, and data-driven strategy.

• Flexible, people-focused culture with national project reach and clear career progression opportunities.

• Prime city-centre office location in Birmingham, providing strong client access and regional connectivity.