Head of Planning Policy

ZipRecruiter; Pershore; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Planning Policy to lead a dynamic team focused on significant development plans in South Worcestershire. This role offers the chance to influence major growth initiatives while working collaboratively with various councils and stakeholders. You will be at the forefront of local plan preparation, ensuring that ambitious housing targets are met and policies are effectively set. Join a supportive team that values professional development and offers a range of benefits, including a generous pension scheme and comprehensive training opportunities. If you're passionate about making a difference in urban development, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Comprehensive training and development

Payment of professional membership

Onsite nursery with staff discount

Discounted gym and swim memberships

Health and Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee discounts with various companies

Qualifications

• Degree-level education with recognized qualification in town planning.
• Extensive experience in local plan preparation and neighborhood plans.
• Strong planning knowledge and experience in policy frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning Policy and Corporate Data Team for Wychavon and Malvern Hills.
• Collaborate with various councils and maintain partner relationships.
• Manage workload effectively and attend various meetings and inquiries.

Skills

Town Planning

Policy Framework Development

Public Inquiry Evidence Preparation

Customer Care

Communication Skills

Workload Management

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Full RTPI Membership

Tools

MS Office

GIS Systems

Property Databases

Job description

Job Description

Salary: £58,378 - £65,973

Head of Planning Policy

£58,378 - £65,973 per annum, 37 hours per week (with pay award pending)

We are looking for a new team member to lead the Planning Policy and Corporate Data Team for Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils.

South Worcestershire has an ambitious growth agenda with major proposals such as Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 new homes and 50 hectares of employment land, Throckmorton for 5,000 new homes, and a brownfield regeneration agenda in key towns like Evesham and Droitwich. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review is at an advanced stage with ongoing public examination.

You will be responsible for leading the plan through to adoption and initiating a review to incorporate new housing targets. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact working on major development plans and proposals in a supportive, high-performing team.

This role is a key part of the Planning and Infrastructure Management Team and involves collaboration with colleagues across the Council, particularly in Housing and Legal Services. It also entails developing and maintaining relationships with partners including Worcester City Council, Homes England, Worcestershire County Council, and neighboring authorities.

About you

The successful candidate should have:

• Degree-level education with a recognized qualification in town planning and full RTPI membership.
• Extensive experience in local plan preparation.
• Experience supporting the preparation of neighborhood plans.
• Strong planning knowledge and experience in setting policy frameworks for strategic sites.
• Experience providing evidence at public inquiries and preparing examination evidence.
• Good computer literacy, including MS Office, property databases, and GIS systems.
• Outstanding customer care, excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage workload effectively and work under pressure.

The role requires attending management meetings, Board meetings, Planning Committee meetings, and public inquiries. Deputising for the Director of Planning and Infrastructure may be required. Site visits and occasional evening meetings are part of the role; a full driving license and access to a car are essential. Travel throughout the district is expected.

What we can offer

We value our staff and offer a range of benefits, including:

• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave with options to purchase additional leave.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional membership subscription (e.g., RTPI).
• Onsite nursery with staff discount.
• Discounted gym and swim memberships.
• Health and Wellbeing support, Employee Assistance scheme with counselling services.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee discounts with various companies, including EE and Kaarp.

Our roles support agile working; however, all roles have an office-based component to facilitate face-to-face collaboration.

For further information or to discuss the post, contact Ian Macleod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure, at 07823 535035.

Closing date: Sunday 11 May 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

Please note, if applications are high, the role may close and interviews conducted earlier.