Senior Planning Manager

REF: NEPMK

Job Title: Senior Planning Manager

Location: Kings Hill - Kent

Job Summary:

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a Housebuilder who are looking for a Senior Planning Manager to join the Eastern division. To oversee all aspects of planning applications, regulatory approvals, and strategic land promotions within the Eastern region.

Position Overview:

The Planning Manager will play a key role in the development process, managing all aspects of planning applications and regulatory approvals within the Eastern region. Reporting to the Land and Development Director, this position requires a highly experienced planning professional with strong project management skills, excellent communication abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of the UK planning system. The successful candidate will collaborate with internal stakeholders, consultants, and local authorities to ensure the successful and timely delivery of planning approvals for residential development projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Planning Application Management:
  • Lead and manage the preparation, submission, and negotiation of planning applications across the Eastern region.
  • Coordinate with internal teams, consultants, and local authorities to secure approvals and ensure applications progress from initiation through to implementable consent.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community groups, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Proactively address concerns and advocate for the company's interests throughout the planning process.
• Project Coordination:
  • Collaborate with Land, Design, Technical, and Construction teams to align planning objectives with project goals.
  • Ensure effective communication across departments, integrating planning requirements within overall project timelines.
• Reporting and Documentation:
  • Prepare regular reports on planning progress, budgets, approvals, and associated risks for presentation to senior leadership.
  • Maintain thorough documentation of all planning activities, applications, and decisions.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Background:
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, or a related field.
  • Professional membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent is desirable.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a planning management role, ideally within residential development or a consultancy environment.
  • Proven experience managing complex planning applications from start to finish in the residential sector.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of UK planning legislation, policies, and practices.
  • Experience with planning software, GIS, and project management tools is an advantage.
• Key Competencies:
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
  • Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.

Interested?

The hiring manager is looking to meet with suitable candidates as soon as possible. If you meet the criteria above, please contact Neil Ellerton at Penguin Recruitment on or email