Job Description
🚨 Planning Manager (or Ambitious Senior Planner Ready to Step Up)
📍 Location: [Derbyshire]
💼 Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus + Private Healthcare + Pension
🕒 Full-time | Permanent | Housebuilding Sector
Tired of being a cog in someone else’s machine?
This is your chance to become the voice of planning in a privately owned, well-funded housebuilder. You’ll work hand in hand with the owner, setting the planning agenda and seeing your impact from day one.
We’re looking for someone with 3/4+ years of planning experience (developer, consultancy or LPA side). Maybe you’re a Senior Planner who is ready to take the next step, or perhaps you’re already a Planning Manager looking for more ownership, more say, and less red tape.
You’ll lead on:
🔹 Planning strategy, pre-apps, and full submissions
🔹 Consultant management & stakeholder engagement
🔹 Site evaluation and planning risk reviews
🔹 Keeping landowners informed & onside
🔹 Representing the company with officers, committees & the public
This role is central, not peripheral – ideal for someone who wants their voice heard and their work respected.
What’s in it for you?
✔️ A proper seat at the table
✔️ Direct access to the owner (not layers of middle management)
✔️ Autonomy, clarity, and support
✔️ Strong pipeline of sites and backing to do the job properly
Overview
A privately owned, design-led residential developer is looking for an astute and forward-thinking Planning Manager or an ambitious Senior Planner ready to step into their first leadership role.
This is a rare opportunity to become the voice of planning within the business, working hand in glove with the owner to shape and deliver the planning strategy across a strong pipeline of sites.
You’ll lead on planning, from early-stage site assessments to managing applications, consultants, community engagement and relationships with local authorities. If you’ve ever wanted a seat at the table, not just a desk in the corner - this is it.
What You’ll Be Doing
🔹 Drive Planning Strategy
Set the tone for planning in the business by shaping policy responses, influencing land acquisition decisions, and confidently navigating planning risks.
🔹 Work Side-by-Side with the Owner
You’ll report directly to the owner, a hands-on leader with a genuine interest in planning. Expect regular collaboration, clear direction, and space to operate.
🔹 Lead Applications from Start to Finish
Take ownership of all planning applications – from pre-app and consultant briefs to submission and decision. You’ll run the process, manage the consultants, and keep it on track.
🔹 Spot Opportunities, Flag Risks
Work closely with the land team to assess new sites. Your input will guide key acquisition decisions and help secure a solid, planning-positive pipeline.
🔹 Be Our Planning Voice with Stakeholders
Build strong relationships with local authorities, planning officers, consultants, and communities. You’ll represent the company at public events and consultations with professionalism and credibility.
🔹 Keep Landowners in the Loop
Maintain regular updates for landowners on progress, key milestones, and next steps, ensuring confidence and clarity.
🔹 Monitor, Report, Resolve
Track progress, preempt problems, and keep things moving smoothly. Your calm head and methodical approach will ensure deadlines and decisions stay on course.