Planning Manager

JR United Kingdom; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK housebuilder is seeking a Planning Manager in Bristol to manage planning applications across the Western region. The role involves preparing and submitting applications, leading planning strategies, and managing external consultants. Strong knowledge of the UK planning system and experience in project management are essential. The position offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, medical insurance, and flexible benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary annual bonus

33 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP service

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Matched pension scheme

Flexible benefits including gym discounts

Qualifications

• Experience with both outline and detailed planning applications.
• Background in a housebuilder, planning consultancy, or local authority.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications from inception to decision.
• Lead planning strategy and advise various teams.
• Manage external consultant teams for timely submissions.
• Discharge planning conditions and manage obligations.

Skills

UK planning system knowledge

Project team management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

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At Dandara, we believe the best ideas come from brilliant people working together. We're proud to be one of the UK's leading independent housebuilders, delivering thoughtfully designed homes and thriving communities across the South of England.

As we continue to grow and target new land opportunities, we're looking for a Planning Manager to join our expanding UK Housebuilding team. This role will focus on the Western patch, covering Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Cheltenham and Gloucester — a region full of opportunity and development potential.

About the role
Reporting to the Land Director and working within a close-knit and supportive land team, you'll play a pivotal role in securing successful planning outcomes across the region. You'll manage a varied and interesting mix of applications — from reserved matters on sites with outline consent to subject-to-planning deals, including both detailed and outline applications.

You'll be hands-on from day one, acting as a key planning lead across new and existing sites, while supporting the wider team to bring forward new development opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

Prepare, submit, and manage planning applications from inception through to decision.

Lead on planning strategy and provide expert advice to land, technical, commercial and construction teams.

Manage external consultant teams, ensuring robust and timely submissions.

Oversee the discharge of planning conditions and manage S106 obligations to unlock delivery.

Represent Dandara at planning committees, public consultations and community engagement events.

Keep up to date with planning legislation, local policy changes, and housing land supply issues.

Support land acquisition activity by identifying planning risks and opportunities.

What we're looking for:

Strong knowledge of the UK planning system, with experience across both outline and detailed applications.

Confident working independently and managing multi-disciplinary project teams.

Background in either a housebuilder, planning consultancy, or local authority.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

What's in it for you?

Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

Discretionary annual bonus

33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP service (Health Hero)

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance (3x salary, with option to increase)

Cycle to Work scheme

Tusker electric vehicle scheme

Matched pension scheme (up to 5%)

Flexible benefits including gym discounts, shopping vouchers and more

Important note for recruitment agencies
Please do not send unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles to any of our employees, business units or shared mailboxes. Any unsolicited CVs received will be treated as the property of Dandara and we will not be liable for any fees in relation to these candidates.