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- Tasks: Lead land acquisition and planning strategy for residential development across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Company: Established residential developer with a strong focus on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, flexible working, and the chance to shape business strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with ownership of land and planning decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in land acquisition, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of UK planning system.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct access to decision-makers.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
I’m working with a well-established, cash-secure residential developer to appoint a Head of Land & Planning to lead and shape the business’s land acquisition and planning strategy across Yorkshire and Lancashire. This is a senior, business-critical appointment offering full ownership of the land and planning function within a growing residential platform. The successful individual will play a central role in identifying, securing, and promoting residential development opportunities, ensuring a robust and deliverable pipeline aligned with the company’s long-term growth strategy.
The role carries significant autonomy and influence, working closely with the senior leadership team to guide strategic decisions from early land identification through planning, acquisition, and delivery. Based in Yorkshire, the position involves regular travel across Yorkshire and Lancashire, overseeing a strategically important and expanding portfolio of sites.
The Role
Reporting directly into senior leadership, the Head of Land & Planning will take responsibility for the overall land and planning strategy, providing leadership, commercial insight, and technical expertise across the business. This is a hands-on senior role, combining strategic oversight with active involvement in key sites and negotiations. You will act as the primary interface with landowners, agents, local authorities, and consultants, while working collaboratively with internal commercial, technical, and delivery teams to ensure sites are brought forward efficiently and viably.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven senior experience in land acquisition and planning within residential development.
- Background with a housebuilder, land promoter, developer, or planning consultancy.
- Strong working knowledge of the UK planning system and land agreements (option, promotion, conditional contracts).
- Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of technical, design, and viability considerations.
- Experience reviewing and advising on viability studies and financial appraisals.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strategic, proactive, and confident operating at senior leadership level.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Professional membership (RTPI, RICS, or similar) and established regional networks are highly advantageous.
Why Apply?
- A senior leadership role with genuine ownership of land and planning strategy.
- The chance to shape the growth and direction of a respected residential developer.
- Exposure to high-quality, long-term development projects across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Direct access to decision-makers and the ability to influence business strategy.
- A collaborative, quality-driven culture with a long-term outlook.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including bonus, pension, and flexible working.
If you’re a senior land and planning professional looking for a strategic, high-impact role where your decisions directly shape growth and delivery, I’d welcome a confidential discussion.
Head of Land & Planning employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Land & Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for roles to be advertised; reach out to companies you admire directly. A well-timed email or call can put you on their radar and show your enthusiasm for joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their land acquisition strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to leverage our website for job applications! We’ve got a range of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying through us means you’ll get access to exclusive insights and support throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Land & Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Land & Planning role. Highlight your experience in land acquisition and planning, especially within residential development. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior role. Share specific examples of your achievements in land acquisition and planning that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills.
Showcase Your Knowledge: We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of the UK planning system. In your application, mention any relevant qualifications or memberships, like RTPI or RICS, and discuss how they’ve helped you in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK planning system and land agreements. Brush up on your knowledge of option, promotion, and conditional contracts, as well as any recent changes in legislation that could impact residential development.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your proven experience in land acquisition and planning. Be ready to share specific examples from your background with housebuilders or planning consultancies that highlight your strategic thinking and successful negotiations.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your understanding of viability studies and financial appraisals. Show how your commercial insight has influenced past projects and how it can benefit the company’s long-term growth strategy.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with landowners, local authorities, and internal teams to bring sites forward efficiently. This will show your ability to operate at a senior leadership level.
