Area Head of Planning

Job DescriptionIn a NutshellWe have a fantastic opportunity for an Area Head of Planning to join our Strategic Land & Major Projects (SL&MP) Team within Vistry Group, covering the West Area based at our Cheltenham office. As our Area Head of Planning, you will be responsible for directing and managing the planning activities of the West Area Team to ensure the effective appraisal, promotion, and delivery of SL&MP assets to enable profitable development of the Company's business in accordance with the strategy set out by the SL&MP Board.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 youCompetitive basic salary and annual bonusCompany car, car allowance or travel allowanceSalary sacrifice car scheme available to all employeesUp to 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service2 Volunteering days per annumPrivate medical insurance, with employee paid coverEnhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leaveCompetitive pension scheme through salary sacrificeLife assurance at 4 x your annual salaryShare save and share incentive schemesEmployee rewards portal with many more benefitsIn return, what we would like from youBehave in line with our company values - Integrity, Caring and QualityExtensive planning expertise with a proven track record of securing planning permissions for large-scale, residential-led developments.Leadership and team management experience, including coaching, performance monitoring, and driving professional development within planning teams.Strong commercial acumen with the ability to prepare robust planning appraisals and strategies that align with contractual and business objectives.Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with senior planning officers, local authorities, and industry bodies.In-depth knowledge of planning policy and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to interpret and apply changes to business operations effectively.Exceptional organisational and reporting abilities, ensuring accurate documentation, clear communication, and timely delivery of strategic projects.More about the Area Head of Planning roleLead a team of Planners to secure planning permission across strategic, residential-led opportunities within the SL&MP Land Bank.Ensure that the West Area Planning Team monitors and reviews the annual Budget and monthly cash flow profile and report regularly to the Strategic Planning Director on progressEnsure that planning appraisals and strategies put forward in support of new land bids are robust and that proposed contractual terms are fit for purpose in light of the planning context.Establish a programme for promoting, reviewing and monitoring each West Area option site through the planning process and delivery into the Regional business/third party disposal with the appropriate consents.Engage with the Strategic Land and Planning Teams to ensure that all relevant milestones and triggers are met with regard to planning strategies and formal contractual obligations.Ensure that all Vistry internal procedures for securing and promoting sites are adhered to.Establish clear lines of regular reporting to ensure appropriate engagement with other internal/Regional teams to enable them to plan housing development in accordance with targets set.To report regularly to the Strategic Planning Director on progress of priority sites and other sites within the Strategic Land Bank.Ensure all paperwork and reporting is produced accurately and as required by the Company.To develop and maintain regular contacts with planning officers and stakeholders within the area of operation. To discuss with Local Planning Authorities at a senior level the future potential of land for development.Monitor key planning policy/guidance developments that impact on the Company's operations and communicate these effectively to internal departments.Finally, let's tell you a bit more about usWe 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 empowerus 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. #LI-WS1JBRP1_UKTJ