At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategy and manage a team of planners in Yorkshire.
- Company: Major housebuilder with a strong presence in the Yorkshire region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with local authorities and influence regional planning policies.
- Why this job: Shape the future of land development and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience and strong leadership skills required.
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 Crawley 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 Crawley
✨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 strategy experience and how you've successfully managed teams. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate why you're the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local planning policies and recent developments in the Yorkshire region. Being well-informed will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and help you land that Senior Development Manager role. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your progress and support you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Development Manager role. Highlight your planning expertise and any relevant leadership experience to show us you’re the right fit.
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 how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with residential planning and team management.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements in previous roles. Quantify your successes where possible, like the number of successful planning applications you've overseen or how you’ve influenced land strategy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
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 prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience with outline and detailed applications, as well as how you've navigated the planning landscape in Yorkshire.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team of planners, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored junior staff and set quality standards in previous roles. Highlight any successful team projects that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with Local Authorities
Familiarise yourself with the local planning authorities and their recent policies. During the interview, discuss how you've successfully engaged with these bodies in the past, and be prepared to share strategies for building strong relationships with them moving forward.
✨Present Like a Pro
Since you'll be presenting to the regional board, practice your presentation skills. Prepare a mock presentation on a planning appraisal or risk assessment, focusing on how you can translate complex planning issues into business language that resonates with senior leadership.
