At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive planning applications from bid to permission, managing large-scale projects.
- Company: Cala Group, a leading UK housebuilder focused on sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, personal growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team transforming the housing industry with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK planning applications and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse team environment where your unique contributions are valued.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 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.
If we need to adjust anything in our recruitment process to support you, please contact careers@cala.co.uk
About Us
The Cala Group is a major UK housebuilder and leading provider of desirable new homes across Scotland, the South of England & Midlands. Driven by a mission to create vibrant and sustainable new communities, our homes are characterised by exceptional design and sector-leading build quality, and we have a passion for providing our customers with a great home buying experience. This is an exciting time to be at Cala. Our approach to sustainability and technology is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and we’re aiming to create an industry-leading experience for both our staff and customers. At Cala, you can expect to be part of an environment which allows you to do meaningful work, while offering opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to be the favoured employer in our industry and beyond. We encourage applications from those who want to be part of a culture where they can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and be comfortable being themselves at work.
Planning Manager in Winchester employer: CALA Homes
Contact Detail:
CALA Homes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Winchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Planning Manager role.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your strong technical planning knowledge and experience with large-scale projects. We want to see you confidently discussing current legislation and how you’ve successfully navigated complex planning applications in the past.
✨Prepare for Those Meetings
If you’re invited to pre-application discussions or interviews, do your homework! Familiarise yourself with the company’s recent projects and be ready to present your insights. We love seeing candidates who can proactively drive conversations and showcase their planning acumen.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to contribute to our mission of creating vibrant communities.
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 expertise!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be presenting at meetings and collaborating with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this ability, and maybe even share examples of past presentations or discussions.
Highlight Your Project Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can manage complex projects effectively. Be sure to include specific examples of large-scale developments you've worked on, detailing how you balanced competing priorities and met deadlines. This will show us you’re up for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our company culture and values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CALA Homes
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the current UK planning legislation and policies. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in the planning system will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive about staying informed.
✨Prepare for Pre-Application Discussions
Since you'll be attending and presenting at pre-application meetings, practice your presentation skills. Prepare a few key points about how you would approach these discussions, and think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive applications forward.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience managing large-scale development projects. Highlight specific examples where you balanced competing priorities and collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes. This will illustrate your organisational skills and leadership experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex planning concepts to different audiences, whether it's internal teams or external stakeholders. Practising clear and concise explanations will help you shine during the interview.