Principal Development Lead

Principal Development Lead
Hereford (Agile / Hybrid Working)
£65,000 £75,000 + Excellent Benefits

Conrad Consulting is delighted to be working in partnership with a well-established, multi-disciplinary property consultancy to recruit a Principal Development Lead for their Hereford office.

This is a senior opportunity for an experienced planning and development professional to take ownership of a growing service line, driving both strategic growth and project delivery across the region.

As Principal Development Lead, you will act as the focal point for planning and development services within the office, combining technical expertise with leadership and business development.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the lead and technical authority for planning and development services
• Delivering a wide range of planning consultancy work, including both general and strategic advice
• Managing the preparation and submission of planning applications
• Leading post-planning activities including negotiations, appeals, and delivery phases
• Demonstrating a strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, including design, procurement, and construction
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing project programmes and risks
• Supporting and mentoring team members to enhance technical capability
• Driving operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability

• Developing and growing the planning and development offering within the Hereford region
• Building strong relationships with developers, landowners, promoters, and agents
• Driving business development and increasing the pipeline of work
• Cross-selling services across land, agency, and valuation teams
• Reviewing current service delivery and implementing strategies for diversification and growth
• Enhancing brand presence and market share within the local area

We are seeking a commercially aware and strategically minded professional with strong leadership credentials.

You will have:

• MRTPI qualification (essential)
• Proven experience in planning consultancy and development
• Strong understanding of the full development lifecycle
• Demonstrable experience in team leadership and project management
• Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills
• Strong business development and networking capability
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Full UK driving licence

• Competitive salary: £65,000 £75,000
• Discretionary bonus potential
• Private healthcare
• 35 days holiday (including bank holidays) + birthday leave
• Additional leave for long service
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Paid professional memberships and CPD support
• Agile / hybrid working model
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes
• Access to additional employee benefits and discounts