Planning Policy Manager

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; Greater Lincolnshire; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Planning Policy Manager to lead the development of its new Local Plan. Responsibilities include managing a skilled team, ensuring compliance with national policies, and providing expert advice. Ideal candidates will be qualified planners with a track record in leadership and a passion for sustainable design. The role offers flexible hybrid working and a generous benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Career development opportunities

Low-cost healthcare plan

Cycle to Work scheme

Regular well-being activities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in plan-making and design policy.
• Strong track record of leadership in a local authority or similar.
• Excellent communication skills and community engagement.
• Passionate about sustainability and design quality.

Responsibilities

• Develop the new Local Plan and oversee urban design.
• Manage and motivate a skilled team.
• Ensure compliance with national policy and provide expert advice.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Design quality passion

Education

Qualified town planner or urban designer

Job description

Planning Policy Manager

SK19 to SK20 - (£50,520 - £52,119 per annum)

It’s an exciting time to join South Kesteven District Council. We are preparing a new Local Plan that will shape our district until 2043 – delivering the homes, jobs, community facilities, and infrastructure our residents need. As one of only ten local authorities awarded funding through the MHCLG Design Code Pathfinder Programme, we are proud to be at the forefront of design excellence and placemaking in the UK.

This is your opportunity to play a key leadership role in the next chapter of South Kesteven’s growth story.

About the Role

You’ll play a key leadership role in developing our new Local Plan, supporting delivery of the Design Code, and overseeing our work in urban design and conservation services. You’ll manage and motivate a skilled team, ensure compliance with national policy, and provide expert advice to senior officers, Councillors, and other stakeholders.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will:

• Be a qualified town planner or urban designer (or hold a related qualification), with significant experience in plan-making and design policy
• Have a strong track record of team leadership and project management in a local authority or similar setting
• Possess excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Be passionate about design quality, sustainability, and community engagement

This role would suit someone who thrives in a strategic, fast-paced environment and wants to help create beautiful, functional, and inclusive places.

If you’re looking to join a team that makes a difference every single day, your perfect career could be waiting for you at South Kesteven District Council.

Why Work for South Kesteven?

South Kesteven is a district rich in opportunity and potential. It is home to innovative entrepreneurs, a base for global businesses, and boasts excellent local schools—all set within an attractive, rural landscape ideally located in the heart of England. Our vision is to make South Kesteven the best place to live, work, and visit — and we know that by working together, we can achieve that. People are at the heart of what we do here at SKDC. We deliver more than 100 services across the district so there’s no limit to where your career can take you. We value our employees and we offer a range of benefits that really make a difference, for everyone.

At South Kesteven, we can offer:

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements to help you live a balanced lifestyle that works for you
• A generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days, increasing with length of service
• Access to the generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Opportunities for career and self-development
• Low‑cost health care plan
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Regular well‑being activities

You will be given the chance to grow in your career, taking ownership of your learning journey with exciting opportunities for development within the Council, and you can rest assured that we’re thinking about your future. Not only can we help you in the short‑term with financial schemes to help spread the cost of cars, bikes and technology – you’ll become a member of the generous and trusted Local Government Pension Scheme.

For further information or an informal chat about the role please contact Emma Whittaker on 01476 406080 extension 6362 or e-mail [e-mail].

Closing date: 3 December 2025.

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