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- Tasks: Lead planning applications and strategies for exciting residential projects in the South of England.
- Company: Join Dandara, a top independent housebuilder creating vibrant communities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact on housing development and community growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential planning and a relevant degree are essential; strong communication skills a must.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic region with significant development potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Planning Manager will work within the London team focused on delivery of the company’s strategic land portfolio. The Senior Planning Manager will be the planning lead for individual sites and be responsible for managing all day to day workstreams required in promoting a site through the Local Plan and/or the progression of a planning application, working alongside the Land, Technical and regional teams. The Senior Planning Manager will be required to support the acquisition of new sites through site appraisal and supporting bid submissions.
Whilst the role is predominately focused on strategic planning for the group\’s housebuilding businesses, the London team is also responsible for all existing assets which include brownfield sites. Experience across a range of planning would therefore be welcomed.
This role is based from our London office and we can offer hybrid working with this role.
What You Will Do
- Planning Strategy & Site Promotion
- Develop and deliver planning strategies for short-, medium-, and long-term land opportunities.
- Coordinate planning appraisals for potential sites, identifying opportunities, risks, and constraints.
- Promote strategic land through the Local Plan process, including where necessary preparing representations and monitoring plan‑making progress.
- Work with the internal team and external consultants to coordinate planning statements, environmental reports, and supporting documents.
- Managing Planning Applications
- Alongside the internal team and external consultants be responsible for the preparation, submission and negotiation of planning applications.
- Coordinate the evolution of schemes, ensuring alignment with national and local planning policy and any specific Local Authority requirements.
- Alongside the internal team, managed third‑party technical inputs including highways, ecology, drainage, landscape, heritage, and environmental assessments.
- Ensure applications are supported by robust evidence and meet policy requirements whilst protecting commercial viability.
- Stakeholder & Local Authority Engagement
- Build strong working relationships with Local Planning Authorities, Parish Councils, statutory consultees, and community groups.
- Lead pre‑application discussions and consultations.
- Present proposals at planning committees, public exhibitions, and community engagement events.
- Act as the key planning contact for internal and external stakeholders.
- Internal Collaboration & Project Support
- Work alongside Land teams to advise on planning risk, deliverability, and strategy for land bids.
- Support technical design teams by ensuring design approach and technical reports meet planning requirements.
- Administrative project management including ensuring consultants are appropriately appointed, budget monitoring and reporting to landowners as appropriate.
- Compliance, Reporting & Governance
- Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of national and local planning policy and legislation.
- Prepare and present planning reports, risk assessments, and board papers to support decision making.
- Manage external consultants, ensuring delivery on time and within agreed budgets.
What You Will Have
- Proven experience in planning within residential development, either in‑house with a developer/housebuilder or at a planning consultancy.
- Strong understanding of national planning policy and the Local Plan process.
- Track record of securing residential allocations and/or planning permissions, negotiating S106 agreements, and working with Local Authorities.
- Experience managing planning applications from feasibility through to consent.
- Knowledge of technical disciplines that influence planning outcomes (highways, drainage, ecology, heritage, landscape, etc.).
- MRTPI qualified (or eligible for full membership).
- A Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning or similar discipline.
What\’s In It For You
- Competitive basic salary based on experience
- Discretionary Bonus
- Private medical insurance
- X3 life assurance.
- Time for You: 25 Days holiday, plus bank holidays plus the option to buy 5 more!
- Well‑being Support: Access to 24‑hour Health Hero, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and the Health Assured Wisdom App.
- Lifestyle Perks: Cycle‑to‑work scheme and flexible benefits like gym membership discounts and shopping vouchers.
- Future‑focused: Employer‑matched pension scheme (up to 5%) and career development opportunities within a growing company.
Important Note
Dandara ONLY accepts direct applications. Any cv\’s received from recruitment agencies will be considered a free gift. Our Head of Recruitment, Ross Davies will be happy to talk directly to potential candidates so reach out to him directly on Linkedin.
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Planning Manager employer: Dandara
Contact Detail:
Dandara Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning policies and regulations in the Western patch, particularly in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and surrounding areas. Understanding local nuances will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housebuilding and planning sectors. Attend local planning meetings or community engagement events to connect with key stakeholders and gain insights into current challenges and opportunities in the region.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with managing planning applications and leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex planning scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent changes in planning legislation and housing supply issues. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also show your commitment to staying informed and proactive in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Planning Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in managing planning applications and your knowledge of the UK planning system.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your proven experience in delivering residential planning consents. Mention specific projects you've worked on, particularly those involving outline and detailed applications, to demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully managed relationships with external consultants, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for working with Dandara. Mention why you are drawn to their mission of delivering thoughtfully designed homes and thriving communities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dandara
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK planning legislation and local policies relevant to the areas you'll be working in. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in the planning landscape will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in past projects. Highlight your communication skills and ability to manage relationships, as this is crucial for representing Dandara at planning committees and community events.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing multi-disciplinary project teams. Provide specific examples of how you've led planning applications from inception to decision, and how you’ve ensured timely submissions while managing external consultants.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about potential planning risks and opportunities you might encounter in the Western patch, and how you would address them effectively.
