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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 72000 - 108000 £ 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 in Leeds employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Land & Planning in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in land acquisition and planning. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated the UK planning system or secured key sites. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Be Proactive
Don’t wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out to companies you admire and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors, and we’re all about taking initiative here at StudySmarter.
✨Utilise Our Website
Make sure to check out our website for the latest job opportunities. Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows you're serious about joining our community. Let’s get you that Head of Land & Planning position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Land & Planning in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Land & Planning role. Highlight your senior experience in land acquisition and planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant professional memberships!
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. Talk about your strategic vision for land and planning, and how your background with housebuilders or planning consultancies makes you a strong candidate.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial insight and negotiation skills. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've successfully led land acquisition projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
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 viability studies and financial appraisals, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves significant autonomy and influence, be prepared to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Think of instances where you've successfully led a team or project, particularly in land acquisition or planning. Highlight how you’ve guided strategic decisions and collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve results.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Given the importance of negotiation in this role, consider preparing for potential scenarios you might face. Think about how you would approach discussions with landowners, local authorities, or consultants. Practising your negotiation techniques can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Research the company’s long-term growth strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show enthusiasm for their projects across Yorkshire and Lancashire, and express your ideas on how you can contribute to shaping their land and planning strategy. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
