Senior Planning Manager

Senior Planning Manager

Full-Time 48000 - 64000 Β£ / year (est.) No working from home possible
tdm recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead planning activities for land purchases and ensure planning consents are obtained efficiently.
  • Company: Join a top UK developer known for its innovative approach and successful projects.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and private health care.
  • Other info: Opportunity to travel and engage with diverse stakeholders across the country.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping communities and making impactful decisions.
  • Qualifications: Strong interpersonal skills and experience in planning or town management required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 Β£ per year.

Our client is an established master developer and strategic land promoter with a substantial pipeline of large-scale mixed-use and residential-led sites across the South East. With the December 2025 NPPF reforms significantly expanding the opportunity set for strategic land promotion, they are growing their in-house planning capability and require a Senior Planning Manager to own complex consents from promotion through to planning permission. This is a high-autonomy role sitting between senior management and technical delivery β€” you will lead on emerging LPA relationships, manage external consultants, and shape the planning strategy on sites typically ranging from 500 to 5,000+ units. The role β€” key responsibilities Lead planning promotion of strategic land allocations and outline applications Own LPA pre-application dialogue and political stakeholder engagement Manage multi-disciplinary consultant teams (transport, ecology, heritage, drainage) Coordinate DCO, EIA, or hybrid application processes on large sites Negotiate Section 106 agreements and planning conditions Prepare and present reports to board on planning programme and risk Support land acquisition due diligence β€” planning appraisals and risk matrices Monitor emerging local plan policy and contribute to representations What we're looking for MRTPI qualified with 6–12 years PQE (applications-side or promoter-side) Demonstrable track record on strategic sites (500+ units or mixed-use) Experience working in or with a land promoter, master developer, or strategic housebuilder Strong knowledge of NPPF, emerging plan-making reforms, and the housing delivery test Proven consultant management and programme delivery capability Experience with S106 negotiation and infrastructure delivery planning EIA coordination experience on major residential or mixed-use schemes Confident presenter to committees, inspectors, and senior stakeholders What will set you apart Local plan examination or public inquiry experience (as advocate or witness) Knowledge of the South East / Kent / Surrey / Sussex LPA landscape Experience on garden village, new settlement, or urban extension promotions Relationships with key consultancy and counsel networks in the strategic land market
tdm recruitment

Contact Details:

tdm recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🀫

We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the planning and development sector. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and employers. Building relationships can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on the latest planning policies and regulations. Understanding current trends and changes in legislation will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to planning management. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences, particularly those involving negotiations and stakeholder engagement, as these are crucial for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company thoroughly before applying. Understand their projects, values, and recent developments. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals can make a significant impact during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Manager

Town Planning Expertise
Project Management
Negotiation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Risk Assessment
Planning Appraisal

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in planning management and showcases your ability to deliver high-quality work. Emphasise any specific projects or achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities of the role. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate how you meet the requirements, particularly in managing planning activities and engaging with stakeholders.

Highlight Interpersonal Skills:Given the importance of communication and negotiation in this role, ensure you provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships and navigated complex discussions in previous positions.

Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Planning Manager.

How to prepare for a job interview at tdm recruitment

✨Showcase Your Planning Expertise

Make sure to highlight your experience in managing planning activities and obtaining consents. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully navigated complex planning processes.

✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills

Since the role requires effective communication and negotiation, think of examples where you've built relationships with stakeholders or resolved conflicts. This will show your ability to engage with various parties.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions about planning appraisals and risk assessments. Brush up on relevant legislation and recent changes in planning policy that could impact the company's strategies.

✨Exhibit Your Self-Management Skills

Discuss how you manage your time and priorities to meet deadlines. Provide examples of how you've successfully balanced multiple projects or tasks in previous roles.