Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Planning Manager - Reading


Company : Vistry Group PLC


Location : Reading, Berkshire


Created : 2026-01-12


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Planning Manager - ReadingJob Type: Full timeIn aNutshellWe 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 were 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.Lets cut to the chase, whats in it foryouCompetitive 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 perannumPrivate 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 morebenefitsIn return, what we would like fromyouBehave in line with our company values Integrity, Caring and QualityRTPI qualifiedExperience 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 sitesExperience in liaising and negotiating with a wide range of individuals and organisations including professional consultants, local authorities, clients involved in the development processExcellent knowledge of the planning system and development process, design and technical issues relevant to house buildingProven ability to deliver viable planning consents including on larger phased sitesProven ability to manage multiple projects and to lead and drive the development processProven ability to deliver projects on programme to meet start on site requirementsStrong time management skills with an ability to prioritiseThorough attention to detailAble to work as part of a team as well as autonomouslyAbility to build productive stakeholder relationshipsAbility to communicate well with individuals at all levels and positively motivate teams and individuals to deliverStrong presentation skillsSelf-sufficient in terms of IT - proficient in MS Office programmes and development software e.g. Viewpoint, COINSAbility to delegate when requiredAble to travel on a regular basis throughout the region and as required.More about the Planning ManagerroleAssist 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 validationAppoint and manage consultant teams where requiredEnsure 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 authoritiesMaintain excellent records of submissionManage the submission of amendment applications, conditions and S106 obligations as required to allow works to progress on siteDrive 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.Finally, lets tell you a bit more aboutusWe build more than homes, were 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 youll 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, were 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 makingVistry.#LI-TP1