Principal Development Lead

At Berrys, we are all about land and property. Working from four offices across the Midlands, we offer an array of services - planning, architecture, building surveying, valuation and business consultancy - to help our clients make the most of their assets.

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary development team made up of engineers, surveyors, archaeologists, planners and architects. You will be part of a business which is big enough for a varied range of work and opportunities. However, it is small enough to provide autonomy and a chance to really get to know everyone - expanding your skills and building new connections.

A strategic requirement to create growth has arisen within the Hereford office. This role would benefit from an individual who is experienced in creating growth and establishing a presence in the Planning, Architecture and Building Surveying space. The successful candidate would have a track record of growing teams, creating brand awareness and establishing strong networks and relationships.

Role Profile

Principal Development Lead - Operational Requirements:

• Be the internal figurehead of our planning and development offer within the Hereford office and be the go-to for technical expertise.
• Be experienced and comfortable delivering planning consultancy work in several different sectors and services. This should include general planning advice as well as strategic planning advice.
• Whilst the role will have a strategic focus, it is expected that candidates also deliver on their delivery obligations, working alongside the team to coordinate and prepare planning applications, provide expert advice to clients and have experience in dealing with post-planning negotiations and appeal work.
• Have a strong understanding of the entire development process, particularly post-planning work such as technical design, procurement and our construction-phase services.
• Demonstrate strong project management skills by coordinating teams both internally and externally, identifying the correct delivery team, manage client risks and project programmes.
• Offer support to other members of the team and help to grow and develop their knowledge and understand of planning and the wider development offer.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the financial requirements of our business and shape the way the team works to increase efficiency, productivity and profitability.

Principal Development Lead - Strategic Requirements:

• Quickly gain a strong understanding of the business model, our various service offerings, and critically how they work together to create a unique offer to our clients.
• Demonstrate the ability to cross-sell other services such as Land Promotion, Agency and Valuation.
• Utilise a track record of marketing, business development and brand awareness to demonstrably grow our development offer within Hereford.
• Create a strong network of developers, landowners, promoters and agents within the area and begin to increase the baseline of planning and development instructions.
• Utilise existing connections and relationships to increase the level and quality of our instructions within Hereford - both for the planning and development function and, where possible, the wider service offers within the business.
• Gain an intimate understanding of our planning offer, the opportunities and weaknesses that we currently face and implement a plan to diversify. This should include both the types of development work we do as well as the markets we operate in.

Principal Development Lead ? - Person Specification:

• Excellent people management and team-building skills
• Ability to set technical vision and strategy
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Strategic thinker with attention to detail
• Resilient under pressure and adaptable to change
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement
• Relevant qualifications to support the role (MRTPI)
• Full, clean UK driving licence essential due to regular travel between sites and client meetings

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, to be worked flexibly Monday-Friday in line with our Agile Working Philosophy.

Principal Development Lead ? - Benefits

• The role sits within a friendly and supportive team with opportunities to develop.
• We will offer an excellent salary for the right candidate reflective of your skills, qualifications and experience
• We will pay all the appropriate professional memberships and fund your attendance at relevant CPD events and time off for approved training
• We provide Private Healthcare scheme for all via BUPA
• We have an Employee Assistance Programme, including a health plan and annual flu jab
• We have an Agile Working Philosophy allowing for a mix of remote and office working
• We provide an entitlement of 35 days holiday per annum (pro rata to working hours) inclusive of bank holidays
• An additional day off to celebrate your Birthday
• We give an additional day of holiday for every 3 years of service
• There is potential for discretionary bonus
• We provide an enhanced workplace pension scheme operated through the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
• Following successful probation period, access to employee loan and employee discount on Berrys services
• We offer salary sacrifice schemes for Electric Vehicles and Cycle to Work schemes

Closing Date: 18th May 2026

Please note that we may close this role early, if sufficient applications are received, therefore it is recommended to apply early if you match the criteria.