Director of Planning Jobs

The Director of Planning is a senior executive role within UK local authorities, responsible for leading the entire planning and place‑making function. This includes development management, planning policy, regeneration, design, enforcement, infrastructure planning and specialist technical teams. Directors of Planning shape long‑term growth strategies, oversee major development programmes and ensure planning aligns with corporate priorities.

This role involves high‑level collaboration with councillors, senior officers, developers, regional bodies, government agencies and community stakeholders. Directors of Planning often sit on the senior leadership team and contribute to wider corporate strategy beyond planning.

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Main Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for the planning and place‑making service
• Set long‑term strategy for growth, regeneration and infrastructure
• Oversee development management, policy, regeneration and specialist teams
• Lead major, complex and politically sensitive planning matters
• Advise councillors, senior leadership and external partners
• Manage budgets, resources and service transformation programmes
• Represent the authority at inquiries, examinations, regional boards and national forums

Typical Employers

• Local authorities
• Combined authorities
• GLA, OPDC, LLDC and public sector planning bodies
• Public sector regeneration organisations

Salary Range

Director of Planning salaries typically range from £110,000 to £150,000+, depending on location, experience and authority type. London and major urban authorities often offer higher salary bands.

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Progression Routes

• Executive Director of Place
• Chief Executive

Related Job Titles

• Chief Planner
• Head of Planning
• Regeneration Manager
• Planning Policy Manager

See all planning jobs
https://www.planningjobs.com/