At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning projects for exciting residential developments and shape strategic planning decisions.
- Company: Join a well-capitalised, innovative housebuilder with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, supportive leadership, and a chance to influence real projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and exposure to commercial decision-making.
- Why this job: Make your mark in the planning world and gain hands-on experience in development.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or related field; experience in planning consultancy or housebuilding.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Cognisant is working in partnership with a well-capitalised, privately owned regional housebuilder to appoint a Planning Manager into its growing planning team. Our client has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, design-led residential developments, with an expanding pipeline across open market and multi-tenure housing. Backed by a stable platform, experienced leadership team and clear growth strategy, the business is well positioned for continued expansion and offers genuine long-term progression.
Reporting into the Head of Planning, this role will play a key part in shaping and progressing planning strategy across a live and growing portfolio of residential sites. Working closely with Land, Technical and wider development teams, you will support projects from early-stage appraisal through to consent, helping to unlock opportunities and drive schemes forward both strategically and commercially.
This is an excellent opportunity for a planner looking to make their first move client-side, stepping away from earning into a broader development role with direct exposure to land, planning strategy, commercial decision-making and the full lifecycle of residential delivery.
Key Responsibilities- Take ownership of planning workstreams across a portfolio of live residential sites
- Lead and coordinate the preparation and submission of planning applications, including outline, full, reserved matters and discharge of conditions
- Manage external consultant teams across planning submissions, appeals and technical workstreams
- Undertake site appraisals, reviewing planning policy, local plan allocations, housing need, constraints and development potential
- Support land acquisition and development strategy by assessing opportunities through both planning and commercial lenses
- Influence planning strategy across the portfolio, ensuring sites are progressed in line with wider business objectives
- Monitor planning application performance, appeal activity and emerging development plan policy across key operating areas
- Liaise with local authorities, planning officers, statutory consultees and key stakeholders throughout the planning process
- Support community consultation and stakeholder engagement activity where required
- Assist in the preparation of appeal statements, evidence and supporting documentation for hearings and inquiries
- Maintain planning programmes and reporting to support forecasting, delivery and strategic decision-making
- Attend project meetings, site visits and stakeholder meetings as required
- Degree qualified in Town Planning or a related discipline
- Experience gained within planning consultancy, housebuilding, land promotion or the public sector
- Good understanding of the UK planning system
- Experience preparing planning applications and supporting the delivery of residential planning consents
- Collaborative and personable, with the ability to engage effectively across internal teams and external stakeholders
- Interested in developing a broader client-side skillset with exposure to land, strategy and commercial decision-making
- Full UK driving licence
This is an excellent opportunity for a planner seeking their first move from consultancy into development, or for someone already client-side looking to broaden their exposure within a well-funded and highly supportive business. The role offers the chance to step beyond purely advisory work and gain direct involvement in land, planning strategy and commercial decision-making, while working across the full lifecycle of residential development. With a strong pipeline, experienced leadership team and clear progression route, this role offers an ideal platform for planners looking to build a long-term career in development and evolve into a broader strategic role over time.
Planning Manager in Derbyshire in Swadlincote employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Contact Detail:
Energy Jobline ZR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Manager in Derbyshire in Swadlincote
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend local planning events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how you've tackled challenges in planning. Use real examples to demonstrate your expertise and how you can contribute to the team at Cognisant.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities at Cognisant and tailor your approach to show why you're a perfect fit for their planning team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the best candidate for the Planning Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Manager in Derbyshire in Swadlincote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in planning applications and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about residential development and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or led projects in a team setting.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK planning system and recent developments in residential planning. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you managed external consultants or liaised with stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to engage effectively across different groups.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific planning scenarios or challenges. Think about potential issues you might face in the role and how you would approach them. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company’s future and your potential role in it. Inquire about their current projects, growth strategy, or how they measure success in planning applications. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.