Job title: Planning Law Legal Director or Partner
Job type: Permanent
Industry: Legal
Sub-Functional Expertise: Director/Partner
Salary type: Annual
Salary: GBP £120,000.00
Location: Manchester, UK
Job published: 2026-04-22
Job ID: 59591
Contact name: Lee Hawthorne-Finch
Contact email: lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com

Job Description

Planning Law Legal Director or Partner

Salary: £95,000 - £120,000 + generous bonus

Location: Manchester City Centre

Experience: Senior Level, with client following 

 

A senior planning opportunity with a progressive UK law firm that has delivered consistent double-digit growth in recent years and is on track to do the same again this year.

 

The Opportunity

You will join an established, high-performing planning practice that is continuing to grow, with a strong existing client base and a clear strategy for further expansion in Leeds.

This role suits a Legal Director or Partner who enjoys leading complex planning work, building trusted client relationships, and shaping a team’s direction.

 

About the Role

  • Lead and advise on a broad range of planning matters, including strategic planning, development consent, and planning agreements

  • Support clients through the full lifecycle of development projects, working closely with colleagues across real estate, construction, corporate and disputes

  • Provide clear, commercial advice to a varied client base, including developers, landowners, investors and public sector bodies

  • Manage key client relationships and contribute to the growth of the Leeds planning offering

  • Supervise, mentor and develop junior lawyers as the team expands

  • Contribute to business development, profile-raising and thought leadership

 

What We’re Looking For

Essential

  • Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales

  • Senior-level planning experience with strong technical capability

  • Proven ability to manage matters independently and lead client relationships

  • Candidates must have an established following

  • Strong commercial judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach

  • Collaborative working style and commitment to developing others

Desirable

  • Experience advising on large-scale development, regeneration and infrastructure projects

  • Experience working closely with real estate and construction teams on complex schemes

  • Track record of mentoring and team leadership at senior level

 

What’s On Offer

  • Salary £95,000 - £120,000 plus a generous bonus structure

  • A genuine opportunity to shape and grow a senior planning offering in Leeds

  • Established team with an existing client base and strong pipeline

  • Supportive, collaborative culture with high-quality work and clear progression

  • Modern working environment with flexibility considered

 

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established UK law firm with a strong reputation for advising businesses, public sector bodies and individuals. The firm has achieved double-digit growth in recent years and continues to invest in its people and practice areas, with a clear focus on sustainable, long-term expansion.

 

Location & Working Arrangements

Manchester City Centre. Full-time, permanent role. Flexible working considered.

 

How to Apply

Apply online or send your CV to lee.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com or call 0333 996 2882 for more information.

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions is committed to ethical recruitment and the highest standards of confidentiality for all applicants.