Planning Team Leader

We are currently seeking an experienced Planning Policy Manager to join a Local Authority on an interim basis. This opportunity sits within strategic planning, local plan preparation, place-making, and development policy, with responsibility for leading the delivery and review of the Council’s statutory planning framework.

Start: ASAP

Duration: 3 – 6 Months

Rate: Negotiable depending on experience (Inside IR35)

Location: Hybrid

Hours: 37 hours per week

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, implementation, and review of the Council’s Local Plan and wider planning policy framework
• Manage and supervise the Local Plans team, providing guidance on complex strategic planning matters
• Provide expert planning policy advice on planning applications, pre-application enquiries, and strategic development proposals
• Prepare and present reports to Committees, Members, Project Boards, and senior stakeholders
• Represent the Council as an expert witness at Local Plan examinations, public inquiries, hearings, and appeals
• Coordinate evidence base studies, research programmes, and monitoring activities to support plan-making and policy development
• Manage external consultants and specialist advisors engaged in policy and evidence-based work
• Liaise with neighbouring authorities, government bodies, statutory consultees, and local stakeholders on planning policy matters
• Monitor legislative and policy changes, advising the Council on emerging planning reforms and their implications

Requirements:

• Significant experience in Planning Policy, Spatial Planning, Local Plans, or Strategic Planning within a Local Authority environment
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, the plan-making process, and national planning policy
• Experience managing complex planning policy projects and leading multidisciplinary teams
• Background in preparing committee reports and presenting to Members and senior stakeholders
• Experience appearing at or preparing evidence for Local Plan examinations, public inquiries, or hearings
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

If the above role might be of interest, please apply with your most up-to-date CV, or get in touch if you would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail.