At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major residential and mixed-use projects from planning to consent.
- Company: Well-capitalised residential developer with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and the chance to influence key decisions.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for long-term growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of development while working on high-value sites.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic planning and managing development projects.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 85000 £ 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 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.
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.
Contact
For a confidential discussion, please contact: Dan Petrie, Principal Consultant | Cognisant 07487 795148
Senior Development Manager – Planning & Strategy employer: Cognisant
Join a well-capitalised residential developer in Buckinghamshire, where you will have the opportunity to lead major residential and mixed-use projects with significant long-term impact. The company fosters a high-performing work culture that prioritises internal progression and offers planning-led professionals a chance to influence strategic decisions while working on complex, high-value sites. With a focus on genuine development opportunities and a supportive environment, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the front-end of the development lifecycle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager – Planning & Strategy
✨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 help you land 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 planning strategy and development approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. We want to hear about your successes in managing planning applications or leading consultant teams – make it relatable and impactful!
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager – Planning & Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your planning-led background and any relevant projects you've managed to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience in strategic planning and land promotion makes you the ideal candidate for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes in previous roles, especially those related to progressing residential schemes through planning, to grab our attention.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
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 and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in managing planning applications and consultant teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Understand the Company
Research the developer's recent projects and their approach to complex sites. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their strategic objectives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to discuss how you manage stakeholder relationships and navigate political environments. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've successfully influenced outcomes in previous projects.
