The Head of Planning is a senior leadership role within housebuilders, strategic land promoters, major estates and property developers. This position oversees the entire planning function, shaping long-term planning strategy, managing major development projects and guiding planning risk across large land portfolios.
Client-side Heads of Planning work closely with land, technical, design, commercial and executive teams to ensure development proposals are viable, deliverable and aligned with business objectives. The role requires deep planning expertise, strong commercial awareness and excellent leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
Leading the planning function across all active and strategic development sites.
Setting long-term planning strategy and overseeing major applications and appeals.
Managing planning risk, constraints and opportunities for land acquisition and promotion.
Providing senior-level planning advice to directors, land teams and executive leadership.
Overseeing consultant teams across planning, transport, design and environmental disciplines.
Engaging with senior local authority officers, councillors and key stakeholders.
Driving Local Plan promotion, strategic growth strategies and long-term land interests.
Ensuring development proposals are commercially viable and policy-compliant.
Typical Employers
National and regional housebuilders
Strategic land promotion companies
Major estates and landowning organisations
Property developers
Real estate investment firms
Salary Range
Head of Planning salaries typically range from £90,000 to £120,000+, depending on the scale of the organisation and land portfolio. Executive-level bonuses, car allowances and LTIPs are common at this level.