At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects and manage applications for residential developments.
- Company: Join a top-rated 5* house builder in the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while growing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Must be a Chartered RTPI member with experience in residential planning.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior staff and engage with key stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Planning Manager to join a highly reputable 5* house builder based in the West Midlands. This is a key appointment within a well-established planning team, offering long-term progression and the chance to contribute to the delivery of high-quality residential developments across the region.
About the Role
Reporting to the Technical Director and responsible for supporting a Planning Assistant or Graduate, the Planning Manager will play a central role in the delivery of viable and deliverable planning consents across both short and long-term land acquisitions. The role works closely with land and technical colleagues to secure successful outcomes that align with commercial and programme objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Contribution & Leadership
- Participate in the divisional management team, positively influencing business growth and performance.
- Support the effective running of the planning function in line with best practices and commercial targets.
Planning Appraisal
- Undertake detailed planning appraisals for potential development sites, assessing risk and advising on strategy, timescales, and deliverability.
Planning Applications & Appeals
- Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals across a variety of development scales (brownfield and greenfield).
- Engage proactively with planning officers, local communities, and key stakeholders during pre- and post-submission phases.
Policy & Promotion
- Promote land through the Local Plan process, preparing representations and attending Local Plan Examinations where appropriate.
- Monitor and advise on planning policy, legislative and regulatory changes, identifying implications for business strategy.
People & Process Management
- Support the development and mentoring of junior team members in line with company procedures and policies.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of development opportunities and competitor activity.
Reporting & Internal Communication
- Prepare planning updates and papers for inclusion in Board Packs.
- Attend regular land/planning and management meetings, keeping the wider team informed of issues, opportunities, and policy changes.
External Engagement
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders including local authorities, HBF representatives, landowners, consultants, and agents.
The Person
We are seeking a confident and commercially minded planning professional with excellent negotiation and communication skills. You’ll be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and confident managing planning matters across multiple sites simultaneously.
Essential Criteria:
- Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
- Proven experience in residential planning (house building or consultancy)
- In-depth knowledge of planning policy and legislation
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
- Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
- Commercially aware and capable of influencing planning outcomes
- Strong decision-making and time management skills
In return our client is offering a competitive salary and benefits package, negotiable dependent on individual experience.
For further information or to apply, please send your CV to or call 07881371993.
Please visit our website to view all vacancies within house building, residential development and construction.
Blue Diamond Recruitment Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers.
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Planning Manager employer: Blue Diamond Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Blue Diamond Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning and construction industry. Attend local planning meetings or events to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can help you gain insights into the company culture and current projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning policies and regulations in the West Midlands. Understanding local issues and priorities will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with planning applications and appeals in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex planning scenarios, as this will showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to residential development. Being able to reference their work and align your values with theirs will make a strong impression during your discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in residential planning and showcases your skills in negotiation, communication, and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage planning applications and engage with stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your chartered status with the RTPI and your proven experience in residential planning, making it clear why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific achievements related to planning appraisals, successful planning applications, or stakeholder engagement. Quantify your successes where possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the planning profession.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Diamond Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the relevant planning policies and legislation. Familiarise yourself with local plans and recent changes in regulations, as this will demonstrate your expertise and readiness to engage with stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Planning Manager, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior team members. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, highlighting your ability to influence and drive business growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate complex planning issues and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you built relationships and resolved conflicts during planning applications.