Connecting built environment visionaries with planning, development & building consultancies
About us
Urban Search is an independent, specialist headhunting company supporting planning, development and building consultancies across the UK with senior and strategic hires.
Through our extensive networks and deep understanding of the private consultancy sector, we’re able to identify and secure technically capable, commercially astute professionals from Associate level through to Equity Partner, helping businesses strengthen leadership, drive growth and plan for long-term succession.
Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, our approach is built on targeted search, market intelligence and trusted industry relationships. As a result, we access high-calibre professionals who are often not actively seeking new opportunities and are rarely reached through conventional recruitment channels.
Our SME Focus
From boutique practices making key leadership hires to established firms planning for future Partner succession, we understand the challenges facing owner-managed businesses.
Long-Term Partnerships
We work closely with a select group of consultancies, supporting succession planning, growth strategies and key leadership appointments over the long term.
Commercially Focused
Commercial competence is expected. We focus on identifying individuals who can strengthen client relationships, win work, develop teams and contribute to business growth.
Our Sectors
To provide comprehensive coverage across the wider development consultancy market, we operate alongside our affiliate business, B E Civils Recruitment. Together, we support privately-owned consultancies and multidisciplinary practices across the UK, delivering strategic search solutions for leadership, technical and commercially focused appointments.
Town Planning
We specialise in identifying senior town planning professionals who shape development outcomes, influence stakeholder decisions and secure planning success for private-sector consultancies operating across the UK.
Building Surveying
We source experienced building surveying leaders who bring technical authority, commercial judgement and client confidence, enabling consultancies to strengthen service delivery and grow long-term client relationships.
Transport Planning
We connect consultancies with senior transport planning specialists who combine analytical expertise with commercial awareness, supporting the delivery of complex infrastructure schemes and unlocking new business opportunities.
Structures & Infrastructure
We identify senior structural and infrastructure professionals who provide technical leadership on complex projects while also contributing to team development, client engagement and sustainable business growth.
Typical appointments
Partners & Equity Partners to set overall business strategy, lead key client relationships, and drive long-term commercial growth and ownership performance of the consultancy.
Group Directors & Discipline Leads to oversee entire service lines or regional teams, shape business direction within their discipline, and ensure financial and operational performance targets are achieved.
Directors to lead teams and projects at a senior level while developing client relationships, winning work, and contributing directly to the commercial success of the business.
Associate Directors & Senior Associates to manage key client accounts and projects, provide support to senior management, contribute to business development and team leadership, and play a central role in delivering and growing revenue.
Associates & Principals to lead project delivery and smaller teams while building client relationships and progressing towards greater commercial responsibility and leadership.
Searches
Succession planning to secure future leadership by replacing or preparing key individuals to ensure continuity, stability and long-term business performance.
Regional office launches appointing senior leaders to establish and grow new offices, building client relationships and expanding local market presence.
New service offerings bringing in experienced specialists to develop and lead new technical disciplines or consultancy services within the business.
Technical leadership to fill critical gaps with senior hires who provide technical authority, guidance and delivery confidence in specific areas.
Mergers, acquisitions & integration support by identifying experienced leaders to stabilise, integrate and align teams, clients and operations both pre and post business acquisitions or mergers.
Solutions
Every appointment is different, which is why we offer two tailored search solutions to suit the strategic importance, complexity and confidentiality of your hiring requirement.
Whether you're making a key leadership appointment, planning for future growth or strengthening an existing team, we'll work with you to recommend the most appropriate search approach based on your objectives, timescales and the nature of the role.
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No upfront cost
Fee payable only on successful hire
Non-exclusive search
Access to our active candidate network
Targeted outreach to relevant profiles
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Dedicated, prioritised search
Candidates submitted exclusively to you
Direct headhunting of passive, high-performing candidates
Full market mapping and talent intelligence
Fully embedded hiring partnership
Weekly updates & bi-weekly check-in calls
Contact Us
Whether you’re a consultancy seeking your next senior hire or a senior professional exploring new opportunities, we welcome a confidential initial conversation via Teams, phone or in person (South East only where applicable). We can also provide references demonstrating our track record and industry expertise.
Get in touch via info@urbansearch.co.uk, the enquiry form, or connect with us on LinkedIn.