Senior Planning Manager – Strategic Land

Senior Planning Manager – Strategic Land.

South East | Major UK Land Promoter.

I’m working with a leading UK land promotion business to appoint a Senior Planning Manager to their strategic land team in the South East.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join an established and well-funded organisation that specialises in promoting large-scale, long-term sites typically capable of delivering 1,000 homes or more. The business works collaboratively with local authorities, landowners, and stakeholders to secure high-quality planning outcomes and deliver new communities across the region.

The Role

Working as part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team, the Senior Planning Manager will lead the promotion of major sites through the plan-making and planning application process, supporting a significant portfolio of strategic land projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the promotion of sites for allocation in Local and Neighbourhood Plans.
• Preparing and submitting planning applications and appeals, including coordination of consultant teams.
• Negotiating S106 agreements, planning conditions, and managing EIA processes where necessary.
• Providing planning and due diligence advice to support new land opportunities.
• Building strong relationships with local authorities, landowners, agents, and technical partners.
• Supporting senior management in shaping long-term land and planning strategy.

This role offers exposure to high-profile strategic projects and close collaboration with experienced directors who actively mentor and support professional development.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong background in strategic land promotion within a housebuilder, land promoter, or planning consultancy.
• RTPI or RICS (Planning & Development) qualified (or working towards).
• Proven track record in securing allocations and consents for complex, large-scale projects.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of planning risk and development potential.
• Excellent project management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proactive, organised, and comfortable working across multiple projects.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the South East.

Why Apply?

This role provides:

• The chance to work on some of the most significant strategic land projects in the UK.
• Career progression with a structured pathway toward senior leadership.
• A collaborative, professional culture focused on quality and long-term value creation.
• Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, private healthcare, pension, and life assurance.

If you’re a planning professional looking to take the next step in your career working on complex, long-term sites within a supportive and forward-thinking business I’d welcome a confidential conversation.

📞 Contact Dan Petrie

💼 Strategic Land & Planning Search Specialist

📧 dan.petrie@cognisantsearch.com