Planning Manager

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Planning Manager to join our Planning Team within the Estates Division. In this role, you will be key in helping the University deliver its Strategic Estate Framework providing town planning advice to ensure the University achieves its wider mission. You will be responsible for advising on town planning matters and development proposals feeding into national and local consultations, delivering strategic sites of national significance, leading detailed proposals for both the operational and non-operational estate as well as minor works to our 333 operational buildings, many within heritage constraints.

Your Responsibilities

• Prepare town planning strategies for the estate in accordance with the Strategic Estate Framework.
• Lead town planning work for the development of operational sites and non-operational development.
• Engage with project teams and colleagues in the Estates Division and advise on town planning matters to help successfully deliver projects.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including the Property Team, Programme Delivery Team and the Operational Team to help deliver projects within the statutory processes.
• Present to internal Management Boards and Committees along with external public consultation events, community forums and Planning Committees.
• Lead engagement with local planning authorities, local councillors and government bodies in the development of statutory plans and respond to consultations on behalf of the University.
• Lead pre-application discussions with the local planning authority and manage the formal planning application process and any subsequent planning conditions.

About You

• At least 5 years experience in either the public or private sector dealing with development management and related matters.
• Experience with complex strategic applications including Section 106 negotiations and well as a deep understanding of working within heritage constraints and listed buildings.
• Have an up-to-date knowledge of Town and Country Planning and related legislation and local authority procedures and processes
• Excellent interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication skills.
• Have analytical, problem solving and negotiating skills and be able to grasp complex planning and development issues, make sound professional judgements and make quick and effective decisions.
• Time management and organisational skills are important in organising a workload with different degrees of importance and urgency meeting critical deadlines.
• The role-holder should be a graduate in Town Planning or a relevant discipline and be a Member or be eligible to be a Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Benefits of working at the University of Cambridge include:

• Competitive pay with automatic annual cost of living increases and service-related progression.
• Generous annual leave entitlement, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support your lifestyle and wellbeing.
• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, plus access to workplace nurseries.
• Excellent pension scheme with a generous employer contribution through auto-enrolment.
• Travel and shopping discounts at over 2,000 local and national retailers.
• Relocation support for eligible new starters.

Interviews will be held week commencing 4 May 2026

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please email Estates Division on EDR@admin.ac.uk

Please quote reference BA49310 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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
£63,606-£67,468

Reference
BA49310

Category
Academic-related

Date published
1 April 2026

Closing date
19 April 2026

Download further information
Further Information - Planning Manager