Planning Manager or Senior Planning Manager (12 month FTC)

Reporting into the Head of Planning, you will take responsibility for managing planning activity across a varied portfolio of development projects, ensuring schemes are progressed efficiently from early-stage strategy through to consent and delivery.

The role will initially cover maternity leave (c.12 months), with a preference for a short overlap period for handover.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning strategy across a portfolio of PBSA, co-living, residential and commercial schemes
• Drive projects through the full planning lifecycle, including:
• Site appraisal and feasibility
• Pre-application engagement
• Submission and negotiation of applications
• Discharge of conditions and ongoing planning compliance
• Manage external consultant teams, ensuring delivery against programme, budget and quality expectations
• Engage with LPAs, stakeholders and local communities to support successful outcomes
• Review technical reports, planning documentation and strategy papers
• Monitor planning risk, programme and key milestones across schemes
• Support wider development objectives through commercially aware planning advice

Candidate Profile

• MRTPI qualified (or equivalent experience)
• Strong experience within a developer, consultancy or client-side environment
• Proven track record of delivering planning consents on complex schemes
• Experience across residential or mixed-use development (PBSA/co-living beneficial but not essential)
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Commercially minded, with an understanding of the wider development process
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Additional Information

• 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)
• Likely start between May-July, with preference for overlap/handover
• 4 days office-based, 1 day remote

Please get in touch with me (Kate) to discuss and understand more about the role. If you do not hear back within two weeks, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful, but we will retain your details on file for future roles.

If you do not hear anything back within one week, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but I will retain your details for future roles.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me for a confidential discussion about the position via kpm@cobaltrecruitment.com.