Head of Planning Policy

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Pershore; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Planning Policy to spearhead ambitious growth initiatives in South Worcestershire. This pivotal role involves leading the Planning Policy and Corporate Data Team, preparing major development plans, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure successful project execution. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Town Planning, full RTPI Membership, and extensive experience in local plan preparation. With a commitment to high standards of service delivery and outstanding communication skills, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions. Join this dynamic team and make a significant impact on the region's development landscape.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Professional membership subscription

Onsite nursery with staff discount

Discounted gym and swim membership

Health and wellbeing support

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning and full RTPI Membership required.
• Extensive experience in preparing local and neighbourhood plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning Policy and Corporate Data Team for two District Councils.
• Manage relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Extensive planning knowledge

Excellent presentation skills

Communication skills

Good computer literacy

Customer care

Ability to manage workload

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Full RTPI Membership

Tools

MS Office

Property databases

GIS systems

Job description

Head of Planning Policy

£58,378 - £65,973 per annum, 37 hours per week

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 growth proposals such as Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 new homes and 50 hectares of employment land, Throckmorton for 5,000 new homes and an exciting brownfield regeneration agenda in key market towns such as Evesham and Droitwich. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review is at an advanced stage with an ongoing public examination. You will be responsible for leading the plan through to adoption and then commencing a review of the plan to take account of the new housing targets.

This role is one where you can truly make a difference working on the preparation of a major development plan and some of the largest development proposals in the region in a supportive environment and high performing team.

This role will form a key part of the Planning and Infrastructure Management Team and will involve working closely with colleagues across the Council in particular, in the Housing and Legal Services teams.

The role also involves leading on the development and maintenance of key relationships with partners, including Worcester City Council, Homes England, Worcestershire County Council, and neighbouring authorities.

About you

The successful candidate should have:

• Degree level education, with a recognised qualification in town planning, as well as full RTPI Membership.
• Extensive experience in the preparation of local plans.
• Experience in supporting the preparation of neighbourhood plans.
• Extensive planning knowledge and experience of setting the policy framework to support the delivery of strategic sites.
• Experience of giving evidence at public inquiries and the preparation of evidence for examination.
• Good computer literacy and ability to use MS Office, property databases and GIS systems.
• Outstanding customer care, strong computer skills and a commitment to high standards of service delivery.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Clear ability to manage own workload and work under pressure.

You will be required to attend regular management team meetings, Executive Board meetings as required, Planning Committee meetings, and public inquiries as required. This role also involves deputising for the Director of Planning and Infrastructure as required.

The role requires undertaking site visits and attending occasional evening meetings, so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the district.

What we can offer

Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:

• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave.
• Committed training programme and development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional membership subscription e.g. RTPI.
• Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount.
• Discounted gym and swim membership.
• Health and wellbeing support and a free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Employee discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.

We are an employer that supports agile working and values face-to-face communication, collaboration and connection; therefore, all our roles have an office-based requirement as part of the role.

To discuss the post or for further information, please call Ian Macleod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure on 07823 535035.

Closing date: Sunday 11 May 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.

Attached documents
Job Description
Employee Benefits