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: Engage with local authorities and influence planning policies for strategic growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of land development and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning experience, strong leadership 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 employer: tdm recruitment
Join a leading housebuilder in Yorkshire that values innovation and strategic thinking, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in planning can truly shine. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while engaging with senior leadership, ensuring your contributions are recognised and impactful. Enjoy a collaborative culture that prioritises work-life balance and fosters professional growth, making it an excellent place for those seeking a rewarding career in land strategy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager
✨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! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your successful planning projects and strategies. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this to demonstrate how you can lead their planning function effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one we’re discussing, and express your interest in contributing to their planning strategy. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with 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 and how your background makes you the ideal candidate for leading our planning function in Yorkshire.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Include specific examples of successful planning projects or strategies you've led, especially those that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage teams.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your planning knowledge, especially around residential planning and the specific regulations in Yorkshire. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with outline applications and how you've navigated local planning authorities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team of planners, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've mentored junior planners and set quality standards in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Presentations
You'll need to present planning appraisals to the regional board, so practice articulating complex planning risks in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you can translate technical jargon into business language that resonates with senior leadership.
✨Engage with Local Authorities
Demonstrate your experience in engaging with local planning authorities and handling negotiations. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've successfully managed relationships and influenced planning outcomes.
