At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategy and manage a team of planners in Yorkshire.
- Company: Established housebuilder with a strong focus on land development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a chance to shape the future of housing.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with senior leadership and influence regional planning policies.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on land strategy and planning in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience, strong negotiation skills, and MRTPI qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A well-established Yorkshire division of a major housebuilder is looking for a Senior Development Manager with a strong planning background to lead its planning function. Reporting directly to the Land Director, this is the senior planning hire in the region — responsible for driving planning strategy across a live pipeline of immediate and strategic land, managing a small team of planners, and playing a visible role at board level. This is not a project delivery or build-out role — the emphasis is firmly on planning leadership and land strategy.
THE ROLE — RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead all planning activity across the Yorkshire region — immediate consents, outline applications, and a long-term strategic land portfolio
- Manage and develop a team of two town planners, setting workload priorities and quality standards
- Oversee the preparation, submission, and negotiation of planning applications, S106 agreements, and pre-application discussions
- Contribute to land acquisition decisions — appraising planning risk, identifying allocation opportunities, and supporting the Land Director in site selection
- Engage directly with local planning authorities, consultants, and statutory bodies to progress consents
- Monitor and influence emerging Local Plans, SPDs, and planning policy changes relevant to the region's land strategy
- Present planning appraisals and updates to the regional board — owning the narrative on planning risk and programme
- Work closely with the technical, land, and commercial teams to align planning programme with build and sales phasing
- Support due diligence on potential acquisitions, including assessment of planning history, constraints, and deliverability
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A Development Manager or Senior Planner with deep, extensive planning expertise — this role is about planning strategy and land, not programme management or construction delivery
- Substantial planning experience gained on the developer or housebuilder side — candidates from consultancy will not be considered unless they have significant client-side or in-house experience
- Strong track record in residential planning, ideally including both outline and detailed applications across mixed site types
- Experience working across both immediate and strategic land — understanding the full pipeline lifecycle
- Used to presenting to board or senior leadership — comfortable owning the planning narrative in a business context, not just a technical one
- MRTPI qualified (preferred) or equivalent experience
- Proven ability to manage and mentor junior planners
- Strong negotiation skills — experienced in handling LPA relationships, S106 heads of terms, and appeal management
- Commercially minded — able to translate planning risk into business language and contribute meaningfully to land appraisals
Senior Development Manager in Cheltenham employer: tdm recruitment
Join a leading housebuilder in Yorkshire that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a Senior Development Manager, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth, with opportunities to lead a dedicated team and influence strategic planning at a board level. The company offers competitive remuneration and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful career in land strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend local planning events, and engage in discussions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your planning experience and how it aligns with their needs. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've made an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from interviews! Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills can drive their planning strategy forward, especially in relation to their current pipeline.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that could be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Development Manager. Highlight your planning experience and any leadership roles you've had, especially in residential planning. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about planning strategy and land management. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a small team, make sure to highlight your experience in mentoring and leading others. We’re looking for someone who can set priorities and maintain quality standards, so give us the details on how you’ve done this before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially in relation to residential projects. Be ready to discuss your experience with outline and detailed applications, as well as how you've navigated the planning lifecycle. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team of planners, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've mentored junior staff or led a team through complex planning challenges. This will demonstrate your capability to drive planning strategy effectively.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Think of recent planning applications or local policy changes that have impacted your work. Discuss these during the interview to illustrate your understanding of the current landscape and how you can influence it. This shows you're proactive and engaged with the industry.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Presentations
Since you'll be presenting to the regional board, practice articulating your planning narratives clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated planning risks and strategies. This will help you convey your ideas effectively and establish credibility.
