Planning & Strategy Manager in Leeds

Planning & Strategy Manager in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
tdm recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning processes for residential developments and collaborate with diverse teams.
  • Company: Established residential developer with a focus on growth in Yorkshire.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work on multiple projects and engage with local authorities.
  • Why this job: Shape communities and make a real impact on local developments.
  • Qualifications: Experience in planning management and strong stakeholder communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

A well-established residential developer is seeking an experienced Planning Manager to join their regional land and planning team in Leeds. This is a key hire supporting an ambitious growth strategy across the Yorkshire region, taking sites through the planning process from initial appraisal to detailed consent and implementation.

You'll work closely with the Land, Technical, and Commercial teams to secure planning permissions that protect and enhance scheme viability, while building strong relationships with local planning authorities, consultants, and stakeholders across the region.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage a portfolio of sites through all stages of the planning process, from pre-application through to discharge of conditions.
  • Prepare, coordinate, and submit outline, full, and reserved matters planning applications.
  • Instruct, brief, and manage external consultant teams (planning, technical, environmental, transport, ecology, etc.).
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with Local Planning Authorities, Parish/Town Councils, and statutory consultees.
  • Negotiate planning conditions, Section 106 agreements, and CIL matters to protect scheme viability.
  • Provide planning input and risk analysis to support land acquisitions and site appraisals.
  • Monitor changes in national and local planning policy, and assess implications for the business and live sites.
  • Represent the company at public consultations, planning committees, and community engagement events.
  • Work collaboratively with internal Land, Technical, Commercial, and Construction teams to ensure smooth handover of consented sites.
  • Track and report on planning progress, risks, and timescales to senior management.
  • Support appeals and public inquiries where required, working alongside planning counsel and consultants.
Experience & Skills Required
  • Proven track record as a Planning Manager (or senior Planner ready to step up) within a housebuilder, developer, or planning consultancy.
  • Strong working knowledge of the planning system, NPPF, and Local Plan policy across the Yorkshire region.
  • Experience managing planning applications from submission through to determination and discharge of conditions.
  • Confident negotiating with Local Planning Authorities and managing S106/CIL discussions.
  • Degree in Town Planning, or a related discipline (RTPI membership desirable but not essential).
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, comfortable presenting to committees and community groups.
  • Commercially minded, with an understanding of scheme viability and how planning decisions affect development appraisals.
  • Highly organised, able to manage multiple sites and competing deadlines simultaneously.
  • Full UK driving licence, with flexibility to travel to sites across the region.

Planning & Strategy Manager in Leeds 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.

tdm recruitment

Contact Details:

tdm recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Planning & Strategy Manager in Leeds

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 Leeds

Planning Management
Stakeholder Management
Negotiation Skills
Knowledge of NPPF
Local Plan Policy Understanding
Application Submission and Management
Risk Analysis

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!