Planning Policy Manager

South Kesteven District Council; Grantham; On-site; GBP 35,471 - 59,119; Full time

Job summary

South Kesteven District Council is seeking an experienced planning policy leader to help shape sustainable growth and deliver high-quality, value-for-money planning services. This permanent role provides scope to lead a multi-disciplinary Planning Policy team, drive Local Plan delivery, and engage with elected Members, partners and communities to deliver corporate priorities.

You will oversee development plans, provide trusted policy advice, and manage the team and budget under the guidance of

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the Council’s development plans, supporting the team to provide a high-quality, efficient and customer-focused service.
• Provide clear and trusted planning policy advice to elected Members, senior officers, developers, partners and the public.
• Drive the preparation, monitoring, review and implementation of the Local Plan and its Review, ensuring strong programme management and clear delivery.
• Lead and develop a skilled Planning Policy team, including: Principal Conservation Officer, Principal Design Officer, Planning Policy Officer (Affordable Housing), Planning Policy Officer(s).
• Manage the team and budget effectively, working alongside the Assistant Director of Planning to deliver the Council’s planning policy functions.
• Build strong working relationships across services, helping to shape joined-up outcomes for colleagues, stakeholders and communities.

Job description

Role Details

Hours: 37 Hours per week

Salary: SK19-SK20 (Up to £59,119 (pay award pending and inclusive of market supplement)

Contract: Permanent

This is a key leadership role within the Council’s Planning Service, offering the opportunity to make a difference for our residents and communities. You will help shape sustainable growth, support town centre and community regeneration, contribute to climate action, reduce inequality and deliver high-quality, value-for-money services.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning policy professional who is ready to take the next step. Whether you already lead a Local Plan Team or are a confident Principal Planning Policy Officer looking to move into a broader leadership role, this post offers the chance to widen your influence, develop your management experience and play a central role in shaping the future growth of the district.

Key Growth Opportunities

• Develop your leadership skills by managing a professional, multi-disciplinary team and supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Gain wider strategic experience by contributing directly to the Local Plan, corporate priorities and long-term growth of the district.
• Build your profile through regular engagement with senior officers, elected Members, partners, developers and the community.
• Strengthen your management, programme delivery and influencing experience in a visible role with real scope to make a difference.

The Planning Policy team sits within the Planning Service and is responsible for progressing the Council’s Local Plan, alongside managing specialist Conservation and Design officers. Supported by the Assistant Director for Planning and Growth, you will have the scope to demonstrate your leadership, planning expertise and professional judgement while delivering key outcomes aligned to the Council’s corporate priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the Council’s development plans, supporting the team to provide a high-quality, efficient and customer-focused service.
• Provide clear and trusted planning policy advice to elected Members, senior officers, developers, partners and the public.
• Drive the preparation, monitoring, review and implementation of the Local Plan and its Review, ensuring strong programme management and clear delivery.
• Lead and develop a skilled Planning Policy team, including:
• Principal Conservation Officer
• Principal Design Officer
• Planning Policy Officer (Affordable Housing)
• Planning Policy Officer(s)
• Manage the team and budget effectively, working alongside the Assistant Director of Planning to deliver the Council’s planning policy functions.
• Build strong working relationships across services, helping to shape joined-up outcomes for colleagues, stakeholders and communities.

This role is politically restricted.