Head of Planning

HEAD OF PLANNING | HOLLINS STRATEGIC LAND | KNUTSFORD

We're looking for an experienced planner to join Hollins Strategic Land as Head of Planning, with the opportunity to take real ownership of strategic land projects from acquisition through to planning consent.

This opportunity would be perfect for someone who understands that successful strategic land isn't just about getting an application over the line. It's about understanding policy, anticipating risk, building the right evidence, developing relationships, making commercially smart decisions and knowing when to push, when to adapt and when to take a different route.

You'll work closely with our directors and have genuine ownership of your projects, with the opportunity to develop your understanding of the wider land promotion business too.

We're a small team, we've worked together for over a decade, and we're looking for someone who wants to become a meaningful part of that team.

THE ROLE

Within our portfolio you will take ownership of your projects, working alongside our consultant teams & Directors to move sites from promotion through to planning consent.

You'll be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing planning strategies for sites under Promotion Agreements
• Identifying planning opportunities, risks and potential obstacles and working out how to navigate them
• Leading projects through the planning process, from acquisition through to consent
• Managing planning consultants and critically assessing technical evidence and reports
• Building strong relationships with Local Planning Authorities and consultees
• Preparing written representations and engaging in Local Plan processes and Public Examinations
• Leading on planning appeals, hearings and inquiries where required
• Negotiating commercially driven Section 106 Agreements
• Help set & manage robust project budgets
• Providing regular project updates to our CEO, shareholders and investors.
• Preparing and assessing forward strategy insights & planning policy updates likely impact to projects

Our Directors identify and secure new opportunities, and you'll play an important role in shaping how those opportunities are taken forward. Over time, there's also the opportunity to become more involved in identifying and securing new sites yourself.

ABOUT HOLLINS STRATEGIC LAND

We're a small, close-knit team based in a lovely open-plan office in Knutsford.

We've been working together for over 10 years, and that's something we're proud of. We don't recruit people simply to fill a role, we want people who genuinely become part of the business and bring their own personality, ideas and expertise.

We're collaborative, practical and evidence led. We'd rather solve problems early through good communication and strong relationships, but we're equally comfortable standing behind a robust planning case when that's what the evidence supports.

We select our sites carefully and take a clear, vision-led approach to promotion -with the ultimate aim of securing high-quality, deliverable planning permissions that protect and enhance land value.

And because we're a small team, you'll have real visibility and access to the people making the decisions.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We're looking for an experienced strategic land/planning professional who can bring both technical planning expertise and commercial thinking.

Ideally, you'll have:

• A degree in Planning, Geography or a related subject, and/or postgraduate qualification
• Chartered RTPI membership (or equivalent professional standing)
• Experience within a private-sector planning consultancy, housebuilder or strategic land promoter
• A strong track record of securing planning allocations and permissions
• Experience leading on large-scale planning applications, appeals and/or inquiries
• Strong knowledge of the planning appeal process
• Experience promoting sites successfully through an emerging Local Plan, including written representations and Public Examinations
• Experience negotiating with Local Planning Authorities and consultees
• Experience negotiating commercially driven Section 106 Agreements
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to assess planning risk and develop practical strategies
• Experience managing budgets and multidisciplinary consultant teams

We're particularly interested in people who think beyond the application - people who can spot opportunities, challenge the obvious route and develop a strategy that works commercially as well as from a planning perspective.

WHAT WE OFFER

£60,000 – £70,000 salary, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate

Plus:

• Car allowance
• Project bonus scheme
• Private healthcare
• 27 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension contribution
• Annual social events
• A genuinely collaborative, small-team environment
• The opportunity to take real ownership of projects and share in their success

LOCATION

Knutsford, Cheshire

We're a flexible business, but this is a role where we value being together. You'll be joining a small team where face-to-face collaboration, conversation and problem-solving are a big part of how we work.

And when you need a break from planning strategy, the office is surrounded by independent cafés, shops and plenty of green space.

THE PROCESS

1. Initial phone conversation

A chance to talk through your experience, what you're looking for and whether Hollins Land feels like the right fit.

2. In-person interview

Come and meet the team, see the office and get a better feel for the business and the role.

Applications will close in two weeks, so if this sounds like the kind of planning role you've been looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Hollins Strategic Land LLP | Head of Planning | Knutsford

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