Head of Planning Policy and Strategy (MG5)

Nations Recruitment; Bromley; Hybrid; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-level role in a local government council located in Bromley, where you will provide strategic leadership for Development Planning. You will be responsible for managing planning functions, ensuring compliance with legislation, and fostering relationships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a background in senior management within local authorities, excellent negotiation skills, and the capability to manage large budgets. This position works on a hybrid model, requiring flexibility and offers a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at Senior Management level in local planning or complex organisations.
• Management experience of development planning and staffing in public/private sectors.
• Success in strategy development and corporate goal delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic leadership in Development Planning.
• Prepare Development Plans and manage planning functions.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior council management.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Planning legislation

Team leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Education

Chartered Town Planner qualification

Job description

Job Category: Interims

Job location: Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1AS

United Kingdom

Bromley Council

Hours per week: 37

Start date: Immediate start

Salary: £55,000

We work on a hybrid work pattern on average 2/3 days in the office but will require flexibility

Responsibilities

• To provide strategic leadership for all aspects of Development Planning in line with the Council’s Corporate Operating Principles.
• To lead the preparation of Development Plans and the Council’s role in the London Plans.
• To lead and manage the functions of Development Planning Services in accordance with the core principles, key aims and priorities within Building a Better Bromley, the Bromley Local Plan and relevant planning legislation, guidance, practice and professional standards.
• To contribute to policy formulation at a strategic level and provide advice and guidance to the Chief Planner, Executive Director of ECS, Chief Executive, Chairman of DCC, Portfolio Holders for Renewal and Recreation and Council’s Executive.
• To demonstrate commitment to the Council’s key objectives and values through contribution as a member of the Planning Services Management Team and contributing to the wider Departmental Management Team.
• To lead Development Planning services in the delivery of best practice and best value through the establishment/maintenance of effective systems, targets and performance management that secures high standard of service delivery and secures positive outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

• 2.1 Successful background of consistent achievement at Senior Management level in a local planning authority or other large complex organisation.
• 2.2 Several years experience of management at a senior level of development plan preparation and/or planning staff management in the public and/or private sector.
• 2.3 Experience of contributing to the development of strategy and successful delivery of strategic and corporate goals within a complex service area.
• 2.4 Significant involvement in the preparation, management and control of large complex budgets.
• 2.5 Successful management of change, harnessing the strengths and talents of the workforce in a complex area within a large organisation.
• 2.6 A track record of successfully building and developing partnerships both internally and externally and the ability to establish trust and credibility.
• 2.7 Evidence of success in determining and evaluating service quality and identifying opportunities to achieve effectiveness and best value.
• 2.8 A proven track record of communicating and negotiating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences whilst developing positive relationships.
• 3.1 Extensive knowledge, experience and understanding of the major issues facing Planning Services and specifically Development Planning.
• 3.2 Experience in Planning Services including the effective management and delivery of Development Plans.
• 3.3 Ability to lead strategic planning to develop effective Development Planning Services.
• 3.4 Ability to be effective in operational and service management at the most senior level.
• 3.5 Ability to take on accountability of programme or project management of significant changes in service areas and in the context of cross-portfolio service issues.
• 3.6 Ability to manage effectively large and complex financial budgets.
• 3.7 Experience of the effective analysis and management of data to support service evaluation and planning.
• 3.8 Ability and knowledge of Council vision, priorities and strategy.
• 3.9 Ability to lead, empower and motivate others and form effective relationships.
• 3.10 In depth knowledge of Chartered Town Planner professional standards as relevant to Planning Services and how they can be adhered to.
• 3.11 Understanding of Performance Management processes in partnership arrangements.
• 3.12 Ability to manage the political interface and external relationships.
• 3.13 Excellent communication, negotiating and influencing skills, including presentation at Committee, Planning Examinations, Hearings and Appeals and/or at Court.