Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead land acquisition and planning strategy for residential development across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Company: Well-established residential developer focused on thoughtful design and community value.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, pension, flexible working, and direct visibility with leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of residential development and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in land acquisition or planning within residential development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Land & Planning Manager in Leeds employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Land & Planning Manager in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend local planning events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your successful land acquisitions and planning strategies. When you meet potential employers or stakeholders, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply for jobs—make it personal! Reach out to hiring managers directly through LinkedIn or email. A friendly message expressing your interest in their company can make a lasting impression and might just get you an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! We regularly post new roles, and applying directly through us can give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Land & Planning Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Land & Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in land acquisition and planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that align 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 role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated the UK planning system or led land acquisition strategies in the past.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your communication and negotiation skills. Give examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with local authorities or landowners in your 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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of 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 potential sites. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the region.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in land acquisition and planning. Be ready to share specific examples of successful negotiations or projects you've led. Highlight how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role, especially in terms of stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face in land acquisition. This demonstrates your proactive nature and genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Viability Studies
Since the role involves preparing and reviewing viability studies, be prepared to discuss your approach to financial appraisals. Bring examples of how you've assessed site viability in the past and be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
