Head of Planning Policy and Strategy (MG5)

Centurion Staunch Innovative Solutions Ltd; Bromley; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading planning consultancy is seeking a highly experienced Head of Planning Policy and Strategy to lead and manage strategic planning functions. The role involves overseeing policy development, driving key strategic projects, and ensuring compliance with pertinent legislation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in leading planning initiatives and a solid understanding of local authority processes. This is a hybrid position with an average of 2–3 days per week onsite, providing necessary flexibility.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience within planning policy or strategy.
• Proven track record of delivering Local Plans and major policy programmes.
• Excellent understanding of planning legislation and national policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Local Plan and related frameworks.
• Oversee major planning policy programmes and consultation activities.
• Engage with stakeholders and represent the organisation at external meetings.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Planning legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Town Planner (RTPI membership ideal)

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Planning Policy and Strategy to lead strategic planning functions and shape long‑term development priorities. This interim leadership role is responsible for overseeing planning policy, driving strategic frameworks, and ensuring compliance with planning legislation and local development objectives.

The successful candidate will manage policy development, strategic projects, and cross‑departmental collaboration while providing expert professional guidance to senior leaders and stakeholders. Flexibility is required, with an average expectation of 2–3 days per week onsite.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning Policy

• Lead the development, review and delivery of the Local Plan and related planning policy frameworks.
• Provide strategic direction for long‑term spatial planning, regeneration, land use and growth strategies.
• Ensure planning policy reflects statutory requirements, national guidance and local priorities.

Programme & Project Oversight

• Oversee major planning policy programmes, research projects, and consultation activities.
• Manage and guide multidisciplinary teams delivering strategic planning work.
• Ensure timely delivery of reports, evidence bases and policy documents.

Stakeholder Management

• Engage with elected members, senior officers, developers, local partners and government bodies.
• Lead public consultations, hearings, briefings and stakeholder sessions.
• Represent the organisation at external meetings, workshops and planning examinations.

Governance, Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure planning policy complies with national planning frameworks and local governance standards.
• Prepare and present reports, policy updates, Cabinet papers and strategic recommendations.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of planning processes.

Requirements

Essential

• Qualified and highly experienced Town Planner (RTPI membership ideal).
• Strong leadership experience within planning policy, strategy or spatial planning.
• Proven track record delivering Local Plans, strategic planning frameworks or major policy programmes.
• Excellent understanding of planning legislation, national planning policy and local authority processes.
• Strong communication, advisory and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and lead complex, high‑impact planning activity.

Desirable

• Experience in an interim leadership or senior management role.
• Background working within local government or large public‑sector organisations.
• Experience of cross‑functional strategic planning projects.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid model: typically 2–3 days per week in the office, with flexibility depending on service needs.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Town Planner with strong strategic leadership skills, click ‘Apply Now’ or send your CV to :