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- Tasks: Lead land acquisition and planning strategy for residential development across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Company: Established residential developer focused on thoughtful design and community value.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of residential development with real influence and visibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in land acquisition or planning within residential development is essential.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
I’m working with a well-established residential developer to appoint a Land & Planning Manager to take a leading role in identifying, acquiring, and promoting residential development land across Yorkshire and Lancashire. This is a highly influential, strategic appointment within a business that combines thoughtful design, high-quality delivery, and long-term community value. From site identification and planning promotion through to acquisition and delivery, the role will provide a platform to shape the growth strategy of a business with a clear expansion agenda. Based in Yorkshire, the role involves regular travel across Yorkshire and Lancashire, supporting a strategically important portfolio of development opportunities.
The Role
Working closely with senior leadership and multi-disciplinary teams, the Land & Planning Manager will lead land acquisition and planning strategy, ensuring sites are identified, promoted, and secured on terms that maximise value and support delivery. This is a hands-on, senior role with real influence, providing the opportunity to shape land strategy, engage with key stakeholders, and work alongside commercial, technical, and delivery teams to drive the business forward.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing the land acquisition strategy to secure a sustainable pipeline of opportunities.
- Identifying, appraising, and negotiating on- and off-market land opportunities, including option agreements, promotion agreements, and purchases.
- Leading planning strategies for all land opportunities, working alongside consultants and internal teams from site identification through allocation, consent, and delivery.
- Monitoring Local Plans, housing land supply, and emerging planning policy across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Promoting sites through Local Plan, SHLAA/HELAA, and call-for-sites processes to secure allocations.
- Engaging with Local Planning Authorities, planning officers, key consultees, landowners, and agents.
- Overseeing the preparation, submission, and negotiation of planning applications, reserved matters, and appeals.
- Providing clear commercial and planning advice to support informed decision-making.
- Collaborating with commercial, technical, construction, and sales teams to ensure smooth site progression into delivery.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in land acquisition and/or planning within residential development.
- Experience with a housebuilder, land promoter, or planning consultancy.
- Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and land agreements (option, promotion, conditional).
- Understanding of technical, design, and commercial factors affecting site viability.
- Ability to prepare, review, and advise on viability studies and financial appraisals.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proactive, commercially minded, and highly organised.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Professional membership (RTPI, RICS, or similar) and established regional networks are advantageous.
Why Apply?
- This role offers a senior position with real influence over the land and planning strategy of a growing business.
- The opportunity to lead and shape residential development across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- A professional, collaborative culture that values quality, community, and long-term impact.
- Direct visibility with leadership, providing a platform to influence both projects and business growth.
- Competitive salary and benefits, including bonus, pension, and flexible working options.
If you’re a land and planning professional looking for a strategic, career-defining role where your decisions drive growth and delivery, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.
For a confidential discussion, please contact: Dan Petrie, Principal Consultant, Cognisant dan.petrie@cognisantsearch.com 07487 795148
Land & Planning Manager employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Land & Planning Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend local planning events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your experience in land acquisition and planning. Share specific examples of successful projects you've worked on. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After any meeting or interview, don’t forget to send a follow-up email. Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds. We can’t stress enough how important this step is!
✨Apply Through Our Website
If you find a role that excites you, apply directly through our website! It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Land & Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Land & Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in land acquisition and planning, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about residential development and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your understanding of the UK planning system and any relevant networks you have.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your negotiation and stakeholder management skills. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better! It helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on shaping the future of residential development with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the UK planning system and land agreements. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in Yorkshire and Lancashire, as well as any local plans that might affect your potential role. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in land acquisition and planning. Have specific examples ready that highlight your negotiation skills and stakeholder management. This is your chance to demonstrate how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face in land acquisition. This shows your proactive nature and genuine interest in contributing to their success.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of how you’ve worked with commercial, technical, and delivery teams to drive projects forward, emphasising your ability to foster teamwork.
