About the Opportunity

A leading North West based Planning Consultancy is expanding its operations into the Midlands and is seeking an aspirational and experienced planning professional to spearhead the launch of a new regional office. This is a unique opportunity to grow a business arm within an established, award winning and respected consultancy, offering significant autonomy and the potential for long-term career progression, with full support and mentoring from the existing senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Office Leadership: Work alongside the existing senior leadership team to set up and manage the new office, including building a network of clients and trusted contacts, operational setup of the new office, input into recruitment and management of staff.
• Business Development: Utilise existing networks and industry connections to generate new business opportunities and build a strong client base in the region.
• Team Development: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of planning and environmental consultants fostering a collaborative, efficient and friendly culture.
• Strategic Growth: Develop and implement strategies to grow the office's presence and profitability, aligning with the firm's overall objectives.
• Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring high levels of service and satisfaction.
• Senior Leadership Support: Work closely with the firm's senior leadership team, who will provide strategic guidance, operational support, and resources to ensure the success of the new office.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience: Significant experience in town planning and development consultancy, with a proven track record in a management role. Successfully managing and leading the full life cycle of major projects, including the management of clients, junior staff and collaborators.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong business development skills and client first approach, with the ability to win new business and manage client relationships effectively. A proactive approach to new business generation to maintain individual workload with additional work generated to feed junior colleagues thus making a significant contribution to annual financial targets.
• Network: Established connections and profile within the Midlands planning and development sector including with Local Planning Authority officers.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and inspire teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Effectively coaches junior staff through day to day interactions including giving constructive feedback where necessary.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and implement plans that drive business growth, profitability and operational efficiency.

Why This Role?

This is an exceptional and unique opportunity for a senior planning professional looking to take the next step in their career. The role offers the chance to shape the future of a new office within a respected consultancy, with the support and resources of an established firm. Competitive remuneration, performance-based incentives, and a clear path for career progression are on offer.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via [email protected]