Planning Manager

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Planning Manager to join a highly reputable 5* house builder based in the West Midlands. This is a key appointment within a well-established planning team, offering long-term progression and the chance to contribute to the delivery of high-quality residential developments across the region.

About the Role

Reporting to the Technical Director and responsible for supporting a Planning Assistant or Graduate, the Planning Manager will play a central role in the delivery of viable and deliverable planning consents across both short and long-term land acquisitions. The role works closely with land and technical colleagues to secure successful outcomes that align with commercial and programme objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Contribution & Leadership

• Participate in the divisional management team, positively influencing business growth and performance.
• Support the effective running of the planning function in line with best practices and commercial targets.

Planning Appraisal

• Undertake detailed planning appraisals for potential development sites, assessing risk and advising on strategy, timescales, and deliverability.

Planning Applications & Appeals

• Prepare and manage planning applications and appeals across a variety of development scales (brownfield and greenfield).

• Engage proactively with planning officers, local communities, and key stakeholders during pre- and post-submission phases.

Policy & Promotion

• Promote land through the Local Plan process, preparing representations and attending Local Plan Examinations where appropriate.
• Monitor and advise on planning policy, legislative and regulatory changes, identifying implications for business strategy.

People & Process Management

• Support the development and mentoring of junior team members in line with company procedures and policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of development opportunities and competitor activity.

Reporting & Internal Communication

• Prepare planning updates and papers for inclusion in Board Packs.
• Attend regular land/planning and management meetings, keeping the wider team informed of issues, opportunities, and policy changes.

External Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders including local authorities, HBF representatives, landowners, consultants, and agents.

The Person

We are seeking a confident and commercially minded planning professional with excellent negotiation and communication skills. You’ll be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and confident managing planning matters across multiple sites simultaneously.

Essential Criteria:

• Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)
• Proven experience in residential planning (house building or consultancy)
• In-depth knowledge of planning policy and legislation
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Commercially aware and capable of influencing planning outcomes
• Strong decision-making and time management skills

In return our client is offering a competitive salary and benefits package, negotiable dependent on individual experience.

For further information or to apply, please send your CV to daniel@bluediamondrecruitment.co.uk or call 07881371993.

Please visit our website www.bluediamondrecruitment.co.uk to view all vacancies within house building, residential development and construction.

Blue Diamond Recruitment Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers.

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