At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategy and manage applications for strategic land sites.
- Company: Established housebuilder with a strong presence in Cambridgeshire and East Anglia.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and build relationships with local authorities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communities while working on exciting development projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and experience in residential development essential.
Our client, a well-established housebuilder with a strong regional presence across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia, is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to lead planning strategy across their strategic land portfolio. This is a key hire supporting an ambitious growth pipeline, working closely with the Land and Technical teams to secure planning consents on sites ranging from urban extensions to greenfield strategic promotions.
- Lead and manage planning applications from pre-application through to determination and discharge of conditions across a portfolio of strategic land sites.
- Develop planning strategies for sites at promotion, allocation, and application stage, working closely with the Land team on site appraisals and acquisitions.
- Instruct, brief, and manage external consultant teams (planning, highways, ecology, landscape, heritage, etc.).
- Represent the business at pre-application meetings, public consultations, and Planning Committee, building and maintaining strong relationships with Local Planning Authorities across the region.
- Monitor emerging Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans, and policy changes across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia authorities, identifying opportunities and risks for the land pipeline.
- Prepare and review planning appraisals, viability inputs, and S106/CIL negotiations in conjunction with commercial and technical colleagues.
- Manage planning appeals where required, working with counsel and technical witnesses.
- Support land buying colleagues with due diligence on new site opportunities, including planning risk assessment.
- Report regularly to senior management on planning progress, programme, and risk across the portfolio.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Town Planning, or a related discipline.
- Proven track record in a planning role within a housebuilder, developer, or strategic land promoter — residential development experience essential.
- Strong working knowledge of the planning system, including Local Plan process, S106/CIL, and appeals.
- Established relationships with, or strong working knowledge of, Local Planning Authorities across Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary consultant teams and planning budgets.
- Commercially minded, with the ability to balance planning strategy against viability and programme.
- Full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel across the regional site portfolio.
Planning & Strategy Manager in Cambridge employer: tdm recruitment
At tdm recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, our team enjoys a collaborative environment with opportunities for progression, alongside competitive benefits such as performance-related bonuses. Join us to make a meaningful impact in enhancing customer experiences across the South West while being part of a dynamic and expanding team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning & Strategy Manager in Cambridge
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like tdm recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Planning & Strategy Manager at tdm recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning & Strategy Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
