Head of Planning

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; North East; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental protection agency seeks a Head of Planning to lead their service in Northumberland National Park. This role involves influencing sustainable development and ensuring compliance with planning legislation. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Planning and significant experience in management. Competitive salary with flexible working options offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Professional development opportunities

Award-winning wellbeing initiatives

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Experienced planning professional with passion and vision.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation and policy.
• Significant experience in development management within a rural context.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development Management and Forward Planning functions.
• Ensure efficient planning services meeting statutory obligations.
• Represent the Authority in planning inquiries and hearings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Planning legislation knowledge

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Head of Planning

Based at Hexham with some home working. Salary: £47181 - £51356 per annum. Permanent. Full time.

Shape the future of one of England’s most extraordinary landscapes. Northumberland National Park is a place of exceptional natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant communities. We are looking for an inspiring and highly skilled Head of Planning to lead our planning service and help us protect, enhance, and promote this unique National Park for current and future generations.

As guardians of this remarkable National Park, our mission is to protect and enhance its special qualities while supporting vibrant, resilient communities and sustainable development. We believe in planning as a force for good – balancing conservation with innovation, and enabling a future where nature, culture, and people thrive together.

As the statutory local planning authority for the National Park, we play a pivotal role in balancing sustainable development with conservation. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced planning professional to influence the future of this remarkable landscape while delivering an exceptional planning service.

If you are an experienced planning professional with the passion, vision, and leadership skills to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development Management, Enforcement, and Forward Planning functions for the Authority.
• Oversee the delivery of the Local Plan and related strategic planning work.
• Ensure high-quality, efficient planning services that meet statutory obligations and performance standards.
• Represent the Authority at local, regional, and national levels, including planning inquiries, hearings, and partnership forums.
• Provide strong leadership to a small, dedicated team, fostering a culture of professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to corporate strategy, including the National Park Management Plan, and champion sustainable development.

About You

• A degree in Town and Country Planning (or equivalent) and RTPI membership (or eligibility).
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and practice.
• Significant experience in development management ideally within a rural or protected landscape context.
• Demonstrable understanding of forward planning within a local authority.
• Strong leadership and management skills with a track record of motivating teams and delivering results.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• A background in minerals and waste planning, or experience in National Parks, would be an advantage.

Why Join Us?

• Make a tangible difference in shaping the future of a protected landscape.
• Join a forward-thinking, values-driven organisation committed to sustainability and community empowerment.
• Enjoy flexible working, professional development opportunities, award-winning wellbeing initiatives and a supportive team culture.
• Work in one of the most beautiful and tranquil parts of the UK.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about planning and want to play a leading role in protecting and enhancing Northumberland National Park, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply by: 8th October 2025 at 8am. Interviews: 22nd October 2025 in Hexham, Northumberland.

To apply, please see the job pack available on our website and complete the application form here: https://forms.office.com/e/DV29zuMaBx

Full Job Description

Northumberland National Park Authority

Job Description

Post: Head of Planning

Department: Park Management – Planning

Responsible to: Director of Park Management

Responsible for: All staff within the Planning Department

Grade: Band 7

Job purpose

To lead the delivery of the Development Management Service for the National Park Authority as local planning authority for the National Park, ensuring high quality and efficient delivery, meeting all performance targets and standards, and providing first class customer service within a framework of continuous improvement.

To lead on the delivery of the Authority’s statutory roles and responsibilities in relation to statutory local plan preparation and delivery and related forward planning work.

To support the development of the statutory National Park management Plan.

In line with “duty to co-operate”, lead on partnership working with Northumberland County Council and other local authorities whose emerging development plan policies and other strategic plans may have an impact upon the National Park.

Key Result Areas

• Statutory Roles and other Management Responsibilities – ensure delivery of Development Management, Enforcement and Forward Planning.
• Lead in the preparation of the Local Plan.
• Provide an effective Development Management Service meeting performance targets.
• Oversee preparation and presentation of planning reports and sign off delegated decisions.
• Provide leadership to the Development Management Committee and lead training for Members.
• Review procedures to ensure compliance with planning legislation, case law, regulations, and policies.
• Process appeals and appear at hearings, inquiries, and in court as required.
• Lead delivery of effective monitoring of development and enforcement planning control.
• Provide pre-application advice and general development management guidance in line with legislation and policies.
• Report to MHCLG and other bodies as required.

Financial and Performance Management

• Manage and produce timely management reports on budgets and performance targets within the Planning Service.
• Ensure efficient service within best value and financial regulations.
• Use performance measures to manage and plan service delivery; regularly evaluate usefulness.
• Lead on earned income generation targets for the Planning Service.

Leadership and Line Management

• Lead an effective, responsive Planning Service and supervise a small team of specialist officers.
• Support staff development through planning, appraisal, and personal development procedures.
• Demonstrate the Authority’s Culture and Values in practice.
• Establish effective management and communication systems and provide advice to internal and external customers.
• Represent the Authority at forums, networks, and media at local, regional, and national levels.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation and best practice in forward planning and development management, especially for National Parks.

Corporate and Partnership Working

• Contribute to the Authority’s leadership team and strategy development.
• Promote and implement corporate policies within the Planning Service.
• Act as lead officer on Planning matters and advise applicants/agents as requested.
• Assist the public and partners in understanding the Authority’s role and performance.
• Liaise with other departments, authorities, Parish Councils, and statutory bodies as required.
• Promote equality and inclusion and comply with Health and Safety legislation.

Other Duties

Any other duties consistent with the post as required.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree in Town and Country Planning or equivalent; corporate membership of RTPI or eligible for membership.
• Knowledge of current planning legislation, policy, and procedures; understanding of Development Control matters.
• Understanding of forward planning in a local planning authority; Health & Safety knowledge with risk assessment ability.
• Experience in managing a Development Management Service in a local authority; ability to manage budgets.
• Leadership and motivational skills; ability to work with sensitive planning matters and mentor colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience of rural Development Management, minerals and waste planning, and advising others on development control initiatives.
• Knowledge of National Park Purposes; management discipline training or qualification.