Strategic Planner

Role overview

• ID: 2025-7531
• Entity: Vistry Services
• Region: Vistry Services
• Department: Strategic Land
• Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
• Job Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
• Date Posted: 30.06.2025

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Strategic Planner to join our Strategic Land Team within Vistry Services. You will be based at either our Cotswolds or Brentwood office. If another regional office is better suited, travel to the Cotswolds or Brentwood will be necessary. As our Strategic Planner you will support the identification and assessment of new land opportunities and proactively manage the promotion of strategic sites for residential allocation. Working with the wider Strategic Land & Major Projects Team you will help to secure planning permission and support on the management of strategic land assets.

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
  • Planning-related qualification
  • Good project management skills and experience of working with consultant teams to achieve successful planning outcomes
  • Strong communication skills and experience of working with varied stakeholders
  • Strategic approach – aware of wider circumstances that could impact on strategy and able to anticipate/ respond accordingly
  • Diligence and ability to prioritise workload
  • A commitment to work as required to meet the needs of the business.
• Desirable –
  • Previous experience of working of a national housing developer or involvement with major residential schemes
  • RTPI accreditation at an appropriate level. Note that support can be given should a candidate wish to complete their APC (if not already chartered).
  • Experience of partnership working with local authorities.
• More about the Strategic Planner role...
  • Assist in establishing, and reviewing, planning strategies to ensure that each strategic land asset is effectively promoted to achieve a local plan allocation and/or planning consent acceptable to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.
  • Ensure that all sites are promoted in line with contractual and planning obligations and build relationships with landowners and agents, with reporting lines agreed with the appropriate Manager or Director.
  • Assist in the discussion of development proposals for sites with local planning authorities and other relevant bodies, through formal or informal pre-application routes.
  • Instruct and manage external consultants in line with the Company’s compliance procedures and monitor/report project budgets accordingly.
  • Coordinate the timely submission of representations at relevant stages of the development plan process, including responses to a LPA’s evidence base.
  • Manage preparation, and attendance, of public consultation events (virtual and in person) to promote sites and applications. Assist in analysis of, and response to, feedback received.
  • Support the team with the preparation, submission, and determination of planning applications.
  • Assist in the submission and management of planning appeals, ensuring all relevant deadlines are met.
  • Ensure all paperwork and reporting is produced accurately and as required by the Company.
  • Engage with other industry groups (e.g. HBF regional meetings) as appropriate and share updates with the wider team.
  • Undertake planning appraisals of new land opportunities, to include likely timescales for delivery, key constraints, and opportunities. Provide recommendations as to the suitability of the opportunity against Vistry requirements.
  • Undertake site visits both accompanied and unaccompanied.
  • Ensure compliance with the Company’s health and safety and environmental policies and procedures.

Finally, let’s tell you a bit more about us...

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 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,â¯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.  

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Benefits

Annual Leave

Enjoy 28 days’ holiday plus all UK Bank Holidays. There are options to carry leave forwards and buy up to 5 days.

Pension with Legal & General

Eligible employees are auto-enrolled. You contribute 4%, we contribute 6%. Salary Sacrifice and options to increase contributions available.

Volunteer Days

With 2 paid volunteer days a year, you can give back to communities and charities.

Why Vistry