Regional Leader of Planning

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.

HOK is seeking a Regional Leader of Planning to help shape the future of cities and communities across the Los Angeles region. In this role, you will guide strategy, grow client partnerships, lead complex planning and urban design work, and build a high-performing team. You will integrate business development, design leadership, operations, and talent development to advance the Planning + Urban Design practice.

What you will do as a Regional Leader of Planning

Drive Growth & Client Impact

• Set the regional vision for HOK’s Planning + Urban Design practice and drive growth aligned with the business plan.
• Develop and execute the regional marketing strategy for the Planning practice.
• Build trusted client relationships that lead to long-term impact and repeat work.
• Identify and convert new opportunities across markets, clients, and project types.
• Lead or support proposals, interviews, presentations, and other business development activities.
• Build strong relationships with consultants, contractors, and approval agencies to strengthen HOK’s regional presence.
• Advance thought leadership through speaking engagements, presentations, and writing.
• Support the preparation of proposals, interviews, public presentations, and related materials.
• Identify emerging ideas and opportunities aligned with regional priorities and client needs.
• Match each opportunity with the right HOK talent.
• Promote and protect HOK’s design reputation.
• Guide teams in delivering bold, high-quality planning and urban design solutions.
• Shape early concepts and lead critical design conversations from vision through direction-setting.

Grow and Lead the Team

• Foster collaboration across teams.
• Attract, mentor, and develop talent while building an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Provide timely feedback on project and team performance.
• Align practice and market priorities.
• Champion inclusive practices that strengthen collaboration, innovation, and team effectiveness.
• Contribute to regional performance reviews, including bonus and promotion recommendations.

Shape Business Performance

• Lead a profitable, high-performing regional practice with a focus on sustainable growth.
• Develop and execute the regional market business plan.
• Monitor and manage practice chargeability.
• Own project profitability.

What you will bring

• Strong understanding of industry trends, regional client priorities, and market dynamics.
• Proven success building relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Effective conflict resolution skills with clients and project teams.
• Creativity, curiosity, and a strong point of view on design excellence.
• Willingness to engage in firmwide initiatives with other Planning leaders and directors.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build partnerships.
• Knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
• Commitment to exceptional internal and external client service.
• Established relationships with local municipalities and the ability to address community needs.

Experience & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design, Urban Planning, or Landscape Architecture required, Master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Professional registration/licensure required where applicable.
• LEED AP or LEED Green Associate required within 12 months of hire.

• HOK invests in its people and communities, supporting both personal and professional growth through every stage of life.
• At HOK you’ll have a hybrid work environment , 10 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays ) and a minimum of 4 weeks of paid time off with a cash out option.
• HOK offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free mental wellness resources, life and AD&D coverage and short and long-term disability benefits.
• HOK supports your growing family by offering 4 weeks of paid parental leave and fertility coverage.
• HOK helps to fund your future financial needs with matching contributions to our 401(K) plan which includes a well-rounded investment menu as well as free guidance on retirement planning.
• Wherever you are in your career, HOK provides opportunities to learn, develop and utilize your skills.
• Continued learning is promoted through financial support and study prep for licensure exams, CEU credit opportunities, mentorship programs, and paid professional memberships.

HOK is an EOE, including disability/vets.