Planning Director

Job Description

Planning Director, Home Builders Federation

Location:London / Hybrid

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) is the principal representative body of the home building industry in England and Wales. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Planning Director to lead our efforts in ensuring the planning system and planning practice is fit for purpose, working with our members to support an environment that enables the delivery of more new homes.

Following the publication of the new Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and well-publicised government commitments to increase the supply of new homes, this is an exciting time to join HBF and take on an important leadership role on behalf of a dynamic industry. You will have the opportunity to influence critical planning policies and support home builders in addressing the barriers to delivering more new homes.

Key Responsibilities

Representation and Advocacy:

• Engage with government departments and official bodies, including government departments and key agencies, ensuring that policymakers and other stakeholders are aware of HBF member priorities and concerns
• Collaborate with third-party stakeholders, such as RTPI, TCPA, CPRE, LGA, Planning Advisory Service, and RICS, to represent the industry's planning interests
• Serve as a spokesperson for planning issues affecting the home building industry through media engagements and at HBF and third-party events
• Working with HBF’s Director for Cities, ensure that strategic planning across the country is prioritising housing opportunities and the economic benefits that flow from this activity

Policy and Consultation:

• Lead the coordination and formulation of industry responses to government planning consultations.
• Communicate and explain new and emerging government planning policies and initiatives to HBF members.

Analysis and Reporting:

• Monitor and report on trends in planning decision-making, including development plans, appeals, and other planning-based initiatives.
• Play an important role as a thought leader in the industry, contributing to HBF blogs, thought pieces, media reporting and planning debates.
• Provide planning insights for broader industry initiatives, including Future Homes and environmental strategies like biodiversity net gain.

Member Engagement:

• Maintaining close contact with HBF’s wide range of members, from large home builders to SME developers to understand their challenges, from planning issues to development management concerns.
• Organise and lead the HBF Planning Committee and regional member planning meetings.
• Attend and contribute to HBF group meetings as required.

Team Leadership:

• Directly manage regional local plan managers across England and the Planning and Policy Advisor for Wales.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an individual with a deep understanding of the planning system, exceptional advocacy skills, and a strong network within the planning and home building sectors. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a senior planning or policy role, ideally within the home building or related sectors.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• An interest in influencing policy and managing industry consultation processes.
• Experience managing and developing teams.

Why Join Us:

If you’re passionate about the important role that new homes can play in building strong communities and improving housing affordability, HBF offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the future of planning and housing delivery. You will work alongside passionate and dedicated professionals, advocating for an industry that builds communities and generates more than £50bn in economic value for the economy each year.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to take on this exciting role, please submit your CV and a cover letter to HBFJobs@hbf.co.uk

Closing Date: Wednesday 26 February