Planning Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Planning Manager to join our team within Vistry Thames Valley, at our office in Reading. Reporting to our Head of Planning, as our Planning Manager, you will be responsible for the planning phases of a number of development projects; overseeing planning matters and coordinating with Land, Commercial, Technical, Production and Sales teams.As part of the wider team, the Planning Manager will focus on assisting with working development sites through the planning system and into production to meet business requirements and growth plans. This will include providing accurate planning advice and reports as well as managing consultant teams in respect of the legal, planning, development, technical and commercial constraints of any proposal through to securing a viable planning consent and handover to production teams. We value in-person collaboration and team culture, but we're also committed to supporting flexible working where possible. We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated. Let's cut to the chase, what's in it for you...

• Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
• Company car, car allowance or travel allowance
• Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
• Up to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service
• 2 Volunteering days per annum
• Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
• Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary
• Share save and share incentive schemes
• Employee rewards portal with many more benefits...

In return, what we would like from you...

• Behave in line with our company values – Integrity, Caring and Quality
• RTPI qualified
• Experience in a planning role within either local authority, consultancy, property development or the housing industry.
• Experience of drafting planning statements, planning forms, CIL forms and submitting planning applications on large development sites
• Experience in liaising and negotiating with a wide range of individuals and organisations including professional consultants, local authorities, clients involved in the development process
• Excellent knowledge of the planning system and development process, design and technical issues relevant to house building
• Proven ability to deliver viable planning consents including on larger phased sites
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and to lead and drive the development process
• Proven ability to deliver projects on programme to meet start on site requirements
• Strong time management skills with an ability to prioritise
• Thorough attention to detail
• Able to work as part of a team as well as autonomously
• Ability to build productive stakeholder relationships
• Ability to communicate well with individuals at all levels and positively motivate teams and individuals to deliver
• Strong presentation skills
• Self-sufficient in terms of IT - proficient in MS Office programmes and development software e.g. Viewpoint, COINS
• Ability to delegate when required
• Able to travel on a regular basis throughout the region and as required.

More about the Planning Manager role...

• Assist with progressing and delivering the planning elements of new projects.
• Assist with undertaking planning appraisals of new opportunities and develop planning strategies.
• Manage the submission of planning applications, including drafting planning statements, CIL forms, planning forms and collating submission documents required for validation
• Appoint and manage consultant teams where required
• Ensure the timely submission of schemes / details to the appropriate planning authority and statutory bodies in line with agreed timescales.
• Procure suitable supporting information e.g. surveys, reports, assessments etc. required to support the planning process and enable sufficient pre-delivery planning/design.
• Support the acquisition of land opportunities from public and private sector land.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with local authorities
• Maintain excellent records of submission
• Manage the submission of amendment applications, conditions and S106 obligations as required to allow works to progress on site
• Drive the progress of each project and mitigate against slippage to ensure delivery to agreed timescales.
• Maintain excellent communication with the project team and internal stakeholders to ensure relevant information is correctly shared and circulated, and all actions are progressed in a timely manner.
• Identify and mitigate against risk and work with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to manage risk pre-start on site.
• When required, organise, lead / attend and minute client and / or internal project meetings acting in a professional manner to positively represent Vistry at all times.
• Follow the internal 'Life of Site' process.
• Resolve problems through collaboration with the project teams and colleagues and share learning to champion continuous improvement and ensure successful delivery of schemes.
• Promote and represent Vistry when appropriate in order to maximise development opportunities and the reputation of the company.

We build more than homes, we're making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award-winning employer means we live each day through our ethos - doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership-led way, and you'll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, we're a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five-star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach. Join us in making Vistry.