Developer Contributions Strategic Lead

Wiltshire; Trowbridge; On-site; GBP 64,844 - 68,987; Full time

Job summary

Wiltshire Council is seeking an ambitious planning professional to lead the authority's approach to securing, monitoring and spending developer contributions (CIL and Section 106) to fund schools, transport improvements and community facilities.

You will develop policy, establish new procedures and governance, support planning officers to negotiate terms with developers, and provide clear advice to senior leaders in a political environment.

Qualifications

• Strong planning knowledge and commercial awareness.
• Experience negotiating with developers to secure contributions.
• Ability to interpret legislation and deliver complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead Wiltshire Council's approach to securing, monitoring and spending developer contributions (CIL and Section 106).
• Formulate policy, establish procedures and governance for development contributions.
• Support planning officers to negotiate with developers and establish favourable terms.
• Advise senior leaders and elected members on planning matters and funding strategies.

Skills

Planning knowledge

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Influence decisions

Legislation interpretation

Project delivery

Job description

Salary:£64,844 - £68,987 per annum

Hours per week:37 hours

Interview date: To be confirmed following shortlisting

Help shape the future of Wiltshire

We're seeking an ambitious and strategic planning professional to lead Wiltshire Council's approach to securing, recovering, monitoring and spending developer contributions as part of the town and country planning process.

As the council's lead expert on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 agreements, you will oversee the council's approach to negotiating with developers to deliver millions of pounds of investment that support new schools, transport improvements, community facilities, environmental projects and other infrastructure needed for sustainable growth.

You will lead on formulating policy, establishing new procedures and setting governance arrangements. You will support planning officers to negotiate and secure developer contributions and establish favourable legal clauses relating to matters such as payment triggers, monitoring fees, overage, repayment terms and land transfer, protecting the interests of the council and the local community. Within this role, you will be responsible for advising senior leaders and elected members, working with developers, infrastructure providers and local communities to ensure funding is maximised and invested where it can have the greatest impact

We're looking for someone with strong planning knowledge, commercial awareness and excellent stakeholder management skills. You will be confident working in a political environment, influencing decisions at a senior level, and have proven experience in interpreting legislation, presenting technical information and delivering complex projects. Your ability to build relationships, influence others, and work with integrity will be key to your success.

If you want to make a lasting difference to Wiltshire's communities and play a key role in delivering the Local Plan and Our Wiltshire Plan, we'd love to hear from you.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

Nicholas Thomas, Director of Planning, Economy and Regeneration, at [e-mail], or call 01225 713 283.

Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.

Application criteria

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.