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- Tasks: Lead land acquisition and planning strategy for residential development across Yorkshire and Lancashire.
- Company: Established residential developer focused on thoughtful design and community value.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car package, pension, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of residential development with real influence and visibility.
- Qualifications: Experience in land acquisition or planning within residential development is essential.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
£70,000 - £90,000 + Bonus, Car & Package. 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
- 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
- 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.
For a confidential discussion, please contact: Dan Petrie, Principal Consultant, Cognisant, dan.petrie@cognisantsearch.com, 07487 795148
Land & Planning Manager - Cognisant employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Land & Planning Manager - Cognisant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for job postings to appear; reach out to companies you admire directly. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and have ideas on how you can contribute to their land and planning strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Land & Planning Manager - Cognisant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Land & Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in land acquisition and planning, and don’t forget to showcase 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. Mention your understanding of the UK planning system and how your skills can contribute to the company's growth strategy.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your communication and negotiation skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in 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 ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨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 the role. This will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
✨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. This will help demonstrate your capability and how you can add value to the company.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves engaging with various stakeholders, think about how you would approach this. Prepare some examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in the past, whether with local authorities, landowners, or internal teams. This will highlight your communication skills and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the company's future projects, their approach to community engagement, or how they measure success in land acquisition. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.
