Local Plan Interim Lead

Civic Recruitment Limited; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting for an Interim Lead for the Dorset Local Plan. The role entails strategic leadership to develop and deliver a new Local Plan under the NPPF, including a Design Guide.

Reporting to senior officials, you will oversee the Spatial Planning Service and a ~50-strong team, ensuring resources align with Local Plan objectives. The assignment runs for six months with potential extension, requiring on-site attendance in Dorchester/Dorset 3–4 days a week.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in strategic planning.
• Proven track record delivering and adopting Local Plans.
• Experience leading major planning programmes and complex projects.
• Experience influencing senior officers, elected members and statutory stakeholders.
• Experience managing large multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Dorset's new Local Plan and Design Guide delivery.
• Establish a clear project path and robust management framework.
• Drive milestones and ensure statutory planning compliance.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Spatial Planning teams.
• Coordinate with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Align planning resources to Local Plan objectives.
• Engage with Cabinet Members and partners on planning matters.
• Offer expert guidance on strategic planning issues.

Skills

Strategic planning leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Programme management

Team leadership

Local Plan delivery

Education

Degree in Town Planning/Spatial Planning/Geography/Urban Planning

RTPI membership desirable

Job description

Bournemouth, United Kingdom | Posted on 13/07/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.
Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 months contract Role with a local authority

Summary

• The Council is seeking an experienced Interim Lead for the Dorset Local Plan to provide strategic leadership and drive the development and delivery of a new Local Plan under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This role is crucial in shaping the future of Dorset's planning landscape, including the creation of a new Design Guide. Reporting jointly to the Corporate Director for Planning and the Executive Director for Economy and Environment, the successful candidate will oversee the Spatial Planning Service and lead approximately 50 employees. The role ensures that the Council's planning resources are effectively aligned to achieve the successful production and adoption of the Local Plan.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of Dorset's new Local Plan and Design Guide.
• Establish and implement a clear critical path programme and robust project management framework for Local Plan delivery.
• Drive measurable progress against key milestones and statutory planning requirements.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Service Manager for Spatial Planning and associated teams.
• Ensure planning resources are effectively deployed to support Local Plan objectives.
• Work closely with the Corporate Director for Planning, Executive Director for Economy and Environment, and other senior leaders.
• Build productive relationships with Cabinet Members, elected members, committees, and external stakeholders.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on strategic planning matters.
• Influence and engage senior officers, statutory consultees, and partner organisations on complex planning and transport issues.

Essential Experience Required

• Significant senior-level experience within Strategic Planning.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering and securing adoption of Local Plans.
• Extensive experience leading major planning programmes and complex strategic planning projects.
• Experience influencing, advising, and guiding senior officers, elected members, and statutory stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and delivering outcomes through others.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Degree-level qualification in Town Planning, Spatial Planning, Geography, Urban Planning, or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body is highly desirable.

Additional Information

• Contract duration: 6 months with potential for extension.
• Must be able to attend site in Dorchester/Dorset 3 to 4 days a week.
• Bi-weekly work schedule.
• The role closes on 24th July 2026, apply ASAP.