Head of Estate Planning

Competitive remuneration

The University of Cambridge is consistently ranked one of the best universities in the world, renowned for its record of discovery and innovation. It has a regional, national, and global reach, attracting the very best and brightest minds.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to lead our Estate Planning team. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of the largest estates in the UK higher education sector.

As Head of Estate Planning, you will lead our in-house team of town planning and transport professionals, guiding a broad and ambitious development pipeline through the planning system. Spanning both operational (teaching and research) and non-operational (commercial) estates, your work will help deliver the University's long-term "Reshaping our Estate" strategy.

You will work collaboratively with senior internal stakeholders, local authorities, statutory bodies and community partners to secure permissions, advise on planning risk and policy, and manage public and political relationships that are central to the success of the University's development goals.

We are seeking candidates with:

• Extensive senior-level experience in town planning and development in the public or private sector. You will bring a strong track record of managing people, budgets, consultants and complex programmes, including experience in contract management and master planning.
• A deep understanding of planning law, development strategy, and transport policy, alongside strong political awareness and the ability to make sound professional judgements in a complex, high-profile environment.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with experience of advising senior governance bodies and working with high-level stakeholders.
• Strong academic and professional credentials, including a degree in a relevant discipline, Chartered RTPI membership (dual RICS/RTPI desirable), and a recognised management qualification or equivalent experience.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a world-leading institution. If you have the vision and expertise to lead this critical function, we encourage you to apply.

To find out more, please visit https://andersonquigley.com/university-of-cambridge-head-of-estate-planning/

For a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley: Carolyn Coates at carolyn.coates@andersonquigley.com, +44 (0)7825 871 944 or Elliott Rae at elliott.rae@andersonquigley.com, +44 (0)7584 078 534.

The closing date is noon on 28 November 2025.

The University of Cambridge is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

Department/location

Estates Division - Planning

Salary

Reference

BA47802

Category

Professorships and Directorships

Date published

4 November 2025

Closing date

28 November 2025