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- Tasks: Lead planning strategy and manage major residential development projects across London and the South East.
- Company: Well-capitalised residential developer with a strong reputation for unlocking complex sites.
- Benefits: Stable environment, genuine career progression, and the chance to work on high-quality developments.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking to transition from consultancy to a more influential client-side role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of significant residential projects while gaining commercial exposure.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning, land promotion, and managing planning applications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role will suit a planning-led development professional with front-end experience across land promotion, planning strategy and early-stage development. Working for a well-capitalised residential developer, you will take responsibility for major residential and mixed-use opportunities across London and the broader South East, leading projects from early promotion through Local Plan progression and allocation to planning consent.
The position is focused on the front end of the development lifecycle, with responsibility for planning strategy, land promotion, consultant management and input into commercially informed development decisions. It is best suited to individuals who are strongest in planning and strategy, and who want broader exposure across land, development and commercial decision-making.
The Opportunity
Working within a high-performing strategic land and development team, you will lead the planning and promotion strategy across a portfolio of large-scale development opportunities. These are complex, high-value sites that require strong planning judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to navigate land, policy and stakeholder strategy at pace. You will shape planning strategy, manage consultant teams, advise on planning risk and opportunity, and steer projects through the most commercially important stages of the development lifecycle.
This is a front-end development role with genuine influence, strong internal visibility and clear long-term progression. You will have the platform to:
- Lead projects at the most commercially important stage of the lifecycle
- Shape planning strategy across major residential and mixed-use schemes
- Influence land promotion, allocation and planning outcomes from day one
- Work on large, high-value sites with real long-term significance
- Move closer to commercial decision-making and development strategy
- Operate with the perspective of a developer, not the constraints of consultancy
- Play a central role in shaping future pipeline
For those in consultancy, strategic land or planning-heavy development roles, this is a chance to step closer to the commercial heart of development while staying firmly in the front-end strategy space.
About You
This role is likely to suit:
- A Development Manager with a planning-led background
- A Senior Planner looking to move client-side
- A Strategic Land or Promotions professional seeking broader ownership
- A planning consultant looking for greater commercial exposure
You will likely offer:
- Strong experience in strategic planning, land promotion or planning-led development
- A track record of progressing residential-led schemes through planning
- Experience managing planning applications, allocations or appeals
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of development drivers
- Excellent consultant management and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confidence operating across planning, political and commercial environments
- RTPI or RICS (Planning & Development) preferred
Why join?
You will be joining a stable, well-capitalised and highly regarded developer with the financial strength to take a long-term view and the credibility to unlock complex sites. The business offers genuine scale, strong internal progression and the opportunity to work on high-quality residential and mixed-use developments with real strategic significance. For planning-led professionals looking to broaden their development exposure and step into a more commercially influential role, this is a standout opportunity.
Head of Regeneration and Development employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Regeneration and Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We recommend having a few insightful questions ready to show your genuine interest in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects or case studies that highlight your planning and strategy skills. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Regeneration and Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Head of Regeneration and Development. Highlight your planning-led background and any relevant projects you've managed, especially those involving residential development.
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 role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead planning strategy and manage consultant teams effectively.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness: In your application, emphasise your understanding of the commercial aspects of development. Discuss how you've navigated planning risks and opportunities in past roles, and how you can bring that insight to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning strategy and land promotion. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in residential development, especially in the South East. Being able to discuss recent projects or policies will show that you're genuinely interested and informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in managing planning applications and consultant teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the developer's current projects and their approach to residential and mixed-use developments. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their planning strategy.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past, and be ready to share strategies for managing differing interests in a development project.