At Bellway we recognise that people are the key to our success, and we are working towards becoming a more inclusive employer that values and respects individual differences in the workplace.

The Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially focused Planning Director to lead the planning function within our Essex business. This role will be responsible for securing planning consents for immediate and strategic land opportunities to meet the company’s growth targets.

Principal accountabilities of the Regional Planning Director role include:

• Develop and lead the company’s planning strategy in alignment with land acquisition and development objectives
• Identify planning risks and opportunities in land transactions and promote solutions
• Manage and oversee the promotion of land through the planning system, including Local Plans and appeals
• Engage with local authorities, planning consultants, legal teams, and landowners to ensure successful delivery
• Lead and mentor the in-house planning team and external consultants to deliver high-quality planning applications and appeals
• Allocate workloads effectively and oversee performance
• Build strong relationships with planning authorities, government agencies, community groups, and other stakeholders
• Represent the company at public inquiries, hearings, and stakeholder meetings
• Oversee the preparation and submission of planning applications, ensuring compliance with policy and high-quality design standards
• Monitor application progress and negotiate s106/CIL agreements as required
• Ensure planning activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies
• Report planning pipeline progress to the board and provide insight to aid in business forecasting and decision-making

Experience, Qualifications and Skills

Experience

• Proven experience in a senior planning role within a house builder, planning consultancy, or local authority
• Strong understanding of the UK planning system, especially in residential development
• Demonstrable success in gaining complex planning permissions
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills

Qualifications and Training

• MRTPI qualification or equivalent is desirable

Skills and Aptitude

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
• Proactive, with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, changing environment

The Role and Working Conditions

• Willing to be flexible in respect to day to day duties and hours worked.
• Ability and willingness to travel on a regular basis.
 

In return we can offer you:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual bonus
• Contributory pension scheme
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Access to discounts and benefits portal
• ShareSave Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life assurance
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Earn and Learn Opportunities 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy if a large volume of applications are received.