Senior Planning Manager

Cognisant Search; Taplow; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential developer in the UK seeks a Senior Planning Manager to spearhead the planning strategy for significant residential developments across London and the South. This strategic role offers the opportunity to impact community design and delivery, engaging with key stakeholders. Successful candidates will have extensive experience in planning, relevant RTPI or RICS qualifications, and the ability to manage complex projects. Competitive package including salary, bonus, car allowance, and private healthcare is offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Pension

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Significant experience in residential development and strategic land.
• Strong track record of securing planning consents.
• Deep knowledge of planning legislation and policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning strategy for major residential projects.
• Prepare and manage major residential planning applications.
• Engage with local authorities and stakeholders to secure planning consents.
• Manage planning appeals and complex negotiations.

Skills

Senior planning experience

Managing complex planning projects

Strong negotiation skills

Excellent communication

Commercial acumen

Highly organized

Independent and collaborative work

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

RTPI or RICS (Planning & Development) qualification

Job description

Senior Planning Manager.

Major Residential Developments.

Taplow, Buckinghamshire

I’m working with a well‑funded residential developer to appoint a Senior Planning Manager to take a leading role in shaping and delivering some of the most significant residential developments across London and the South.

This is a highly influential, strategic appointment within a business that specialises in unlocking complex, large‑scale residential sites. From early‑stage land promotion to planning consent and delivery, the company works collaboratively with local authorities, landowners, and key stakeholders to create high‑quality, sustainable communities that make a real impact.

Based in Taplow, the role involves regular travel across London and the South, supporting a diverse and strategically important portfolio of residential schemes.

The Role

Working as part of a multi‑disciplinary development team, the Senior Planning Manager will lead planning strategy across multiple high‑profile sites, ensuring planning considerations are embedded from concept through to consent. This is a hands‑on, senior role with real influence, providing the opportunity to shape site strategy, engage with key stakeholders, and work alongside land, design, commercial, and leadership teams to deliver high‑value projects that define communities.

Key responsibilities include :

• Leading planning strategy for major residential sites from early‑stage land promotion through to planning consent.
• Preparing, managing, and overseeing major residential planning applications (outline, hybrid, and full).
• Driving site promotion through the development plan process, including representations, technical evidence, and engagement with local plans and examinations.
• Instructing and managing multi‑disciplinary external consultants, ensuring high‑quality and timely submissions.
• Providing senior planning input on land acquisition, development appraisals, viability, and design evolution.
• Leading engagement and negotiations with local authorities, statutory consultees, stakeholders, and elected members.
• Managing planning appeals and complex negotiations where required.
• Supporting senior management in shaping wider planning strategy across the residential portfolio.

What We’re Looking For

• Significant experience in a senior planning role, ideally within residential development, strategic land, regeneration, or a related sector.
• Strong track record of managing complex planning projects and securing planning consents.
• RTPI or RICS (Planning & Development) qualified.
• Deep knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and the development plan process.
• Commercially minded, able to assess development potential, planning risk, and strategic opportunities.
• Confident communicator and negotiator at senior stakeholder level.
• Highly organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple live projects.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across London and the South.

Why Apply?

This role offers :

A senior planning position with real influence over large‑scale residential developments.

The chance to lead planning strategy on some of the most significant projects in London and the South.

A professional, collaborative culture focused on quality, long‑term value, and placemaking.

Direct visibility with leadership, providing a platform to shape both projects and your career.

Competitive salary and benefits, including bonus, car allowance, private healthcare, pension, and life assurance.

If you’re a senior planning professional looking for a strategic, career‑defining role where your decisions shape major residential schemes, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.