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- Tasks: Drive planning applications from bid to permission, presenting at key meetings.
- Company: Join Cala Group, a leading UK housebuilder focused on sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping vibrant new communities with innovative design.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK planning applications and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Reporting to the Head of Planning, the Planning Manager will play a key role in progressing planning applications from land bid stage through to securing planning permission. You will organise, attend and present at pre‑application discussion meetings, proactively driving applications through the planning system. The role includes submitting, monitoring and discharging planning applications and conditions, ensuring all development control matters are carefully planned and managed.
You will take a forward‑thinking and proactive approach, providing expert planning advice and well‑considered appraisals on the planning prospects of potential sites. You will also manage the region’s large‑scale development projects, including planning obligations, conditions and phased reserved matters applications.
About You
You will be deadline‑driven, reliable and flexible, with the ability to work independently and use your initiative. You will bring strong technical planning knowledge, alongside the confidence to advise on current government legislation and planning policy. You will be comfortable managing complex projects, balancing competing priorities, and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in managing planning applications within the UK planning system
- Strong working knowledge of current planning legislation, policy and guidance
- Experience of attending, presenting at and contributing to pre‑application meetings
- Ability to assess and appraise the planning prospects of potential development sites
- Experience managing large‑scale or complex development projects
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Leadership experience, including line management or team supervision
- Ability to work proactively, independently and make well‑reasoned decisions
- Professional qualification or working towards chartered status (e.g. RTPI)
- Experience working within the residential development or housebuilding sector
- Experience managing planning obligations and Section 106 agreements
- Familiarity with phased and reserved matters applications
- Experience working across multiple stakeholders, including local authorities and consultants
We recognise that a diverse team makes us a stronger and more successful company. We value different ideas and perspectives as it helps improve our decision-making, products and services. And we’re striving to create an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can feel comfortable as themselves, uniquely contribute and do their best work.
At Cala, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, flexibility and development. This includes a generous holiday allowance with buy, sell and carry‑forward options, enhanced family‑friendly policies, flexible ways of working, private medical insurance and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. We also invest in learning and development and support more sustainable lifestyles through initiatives such as our ULEV car scheme and Cycle to Work scheme.
Planning Manager in Winchester employer: Cala Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Cala Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend planning events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in managing large-scale developments. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can drive their planning applications forward.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll be attending and presenting at pre-application meetings, being able to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently is key. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or colleagues to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Cala. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with planning applications and legislation. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Planning Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be presenting at meetings and collaborating with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and maybe even include examples of successful presentations or discussions you've led.
Highlight Your Project Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple deadlines and manage complex projects. Be sure to mention any large-scale development projects you’ve managed, and how you balanced competing priorities to achieve successful outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the recruitment process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cala Group Limited
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the current UK planning legislation and policies. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in the planning system will show your expertise and confidence, which is crucial for a Planning Manager role.
✨Prepare for Pre-Application Discussions
Since you'll be attending and presenting at pre-application meetings, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Consider potential questions that might arise and prepare thoughtful responses to demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience managing large-scale development projects. Use specific examples to illustrate how you balanced competing priorities and collaborated with stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to showcase your written and verbal skills by discussing how you've successfully communicated complex planning concepts to various audiences, including local authorities and consultants.