Infrastructure Planning Director

Location: Bristol, Oxford, Manchester offices Company: Leading Independent Planning and Design Consultancy

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Infrastructure Planning Director to join a highly respected independent planning, design, and environmental consultancy. The company is recognised nationally for its creative, sustainable, and collaborative approach to infrastructure and development projects.

With a clear three-year business plan focused on growth within the infrastructure sector, this newly created role will play a pivotal part in driving strategic development, shaping market presence, and delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK.

The Opportunity

The Infrastructure Planning Director will lead and manage a team of planners, focusing on infrastructure-related strategy, projects, tenders, and business development. You will be instrumental in promoting and securing major infrastructure projects through both TCPA consents and Development Consent Orders (DCOs), working closely with environmental, design, and planning specialists across the business.

This position offers the chance to help shape the consultancy's evolving infrastructure strategy - driving growth, deepening market penetration, and strengthening the firm's position as a leader in sustainable and design-led infrastructure delivery.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and manage planners focused on major infrastructure projects and business development opportunities. * Oversee the promotion of infrastructure development through TCPA and DCO consenting routes. * Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance DCO capability and ensure sufficient expertise and resources. * Drive new business and client relationships through an interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach. * Work with senior directors to set strategic goals for expanding the consultancy's infrastructure presence. * Coordinate with planning, design, and environmental teams to deliver integrated, high-quality project outcomes. * Represent the business externally, enhancing visibility and reputation in the infrastructure sector. * Support and mentor team members, contributing to professional development and project success.

Key Sectors

The role will focus on a range of infrastructure markets, including:

* Energy (solar, wind, tidal, hydrogen, carbon capture) * Grid systems and connectivity projects * Transport (rail, ports, and major public infrastructure) * Water (supply, reservoirs, flood management, and river systems) * Natural and spatial infrastructure (land use, natural capital, and regional strategy)

About You

* Proven track record of securing TCPA consents for infrastructure projects. * Experience devising and delivering consenting strategies for DCOs. * Strong understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environmental coordination. * Commercially astute with a strong network and awareness of emerging infrastructure opportunities. * Demonstrable business development experience within planning or related consultancy fields. * Skilled in managing teams and collaborating across disciplines. * Ideally, experience in large-scale infrastructure development, including work in Wales.

The Offer

This is a rare opportunity to join a business that truly values interdisciplinary collaboration, creative problem-solving, and sustainable outcomes. The consultancy offers:

* A competitive salary and benefits package * Hybrid and flexible working arrangements * Professional development opportunities and clear career progression * A collaborative, people-first culture with strong leadership support

Interested? Contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment: