Director of Planning and Economic Development -Construction -  Leading Investment and Advisory Business - £Competitive – England

Full Job Description

Director of Planning and Economic Development -Construction - Leading Investment and Advisory Business - £Competitive – England

Our client is a leading investment and corporate advisory business, with over 20 years of success in UK and international real estate, infrastructure, and industrial development markets. With a global footprint and a track record of strategic foresight and robust investment planning, they've built a reputation for excellence and innovation in their industry, working with individuals, institutions, and governments to offer wide-ranging strategic advice and specialist insights.

The Group is now seeking a Director of Planning and Economic Development to drive the development of key projects, spearhead strategic initiatives and optimise the investment planning processes. As an experienced and resilient planner, you will lead a talented, high performing team that is focussed on delivering excellence across a diverse range of projects. You will need exceptional leadership skills and a strong background in strategic development and investment management, ideally within both corporate and government environments. The office is based in London but as this will involve travel within England there is not a requirement to be London based.

The role:

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans to drive business growth and maximise investment opportunities
• Monitor and assess the performance of existing investments, identifying areas for improvement and optimisation
• Lead cross-functional teams in analysing market trends, conducting feasibility studies, and identifying opportunities
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define long-term objectives and devise effective strategies to achieve them
• Conduct rigorous due diligence on potential investment opportunities, evaluating risks and returns
• Stay abreast of industry developments, regulatory changes, and economic trends to inform strategic decision-making
• Foster strong relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, partners, and government agencies
• Provide insightful analysis and recommendations to support key business decisions
• Drive continuous improvement in strategic planning processes and tools
• Mentor and develop the strategy and planning team

Skills and experience required:

• A background in planning and delivering large regeneration planning projects
• Proven experience in senior strategy and planning roles within the real estate or investment management industry
• Strong understanding of government development processes and regulations – ideally a background in town planning or working in local or government planning
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at all levels
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with a track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think creatively and anticipate future trends
• Solid understanding of financial analysis and investment principles
• High level of integrity and ethical standards
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Advanced degree in business, finance, real estate, or a related field

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced senior Planning and Economic Development professional to leverage their diverse background and strategic acumen. There is a competitive salary and benefits package on offer for the right candidate, along with the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders in a collaborative and supportive environment. The location for the role is flexible within England

Portman Scott is a highly respected boutique specialist sales recruitment consultancy founded by two highly successful professionals who previously built their own sales teams. All enquiries will be treated with absolute confidentiality. Only candidates currently residing and authorised to work in the UK will be considered.

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