Planning Policy Manager

Southwark Council; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwark Council is seeking a Planning and Monitoring Innovation Manager to lead policy and strategy for development in a rapidly changing environment. The role emphasizes collaboration, team development, and the modernization of planning services. Candidates should possess a planning qualification and relevant experience in a major city, with a focus on continuous improvement and effective service delivery.

Qualifications

• Substantial knowledge and experience of planning within a major city environment.
• Ability to manage complex workloads and supervise others.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning policy and strategy, aligning with political objectives.
• Monitor and implement changes to modernise and digitise the planning service.
• Collaborate with planning colleagues and professional associations.

Skills

Project Management

Team Leadership

Planning Policy

Research

Partnership Collaboration

Education

Planning Qualification

Job description

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Southwark Council is a Central London borough undergoing rapid change, situated at the heart of a vibrant world city with a significant regeneration agenda. The Planning Division is seeking a qualified and experienced Planning and Monitoring Innovation Manager to lead planning policy and strategy for development, aligning with the council’s political and service delivery objectives. The role also involves leading efforts to monitor and implement changes to modernise and digitise the planning service.

The Planning Service offers professional expertise in assessing planning applications, developing planning policies, and monitoring changes and developments to ensure the service remains current.

In this role, you will build effective working relationships internally and with planners across London to understand their aims and priorities. You will collaborate with planning colleagues and professional associations to advance their improvement initiatives through staff development. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to lead your own team development and service improvement within the division. Ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality work will be a key focus. You will also actively seek learning opportunities to maintain and enhance your planning expertise as part of a broader agenda for change and innovation.

About Southwark

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes occupied by 40% of Southwark’s residents. Our borough hosts over 18,300 businesses, including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and boasts a young, diverse, and growing population.

At Southwark, we are dedicated to creating a just and fair borough and actively addressing inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset. Our passion for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our cultural offerings, healthcare services, and educational institutions. Our refreshed borough plan and the "Southwark Stands Together" initiative focus on community engagement and tackling racism, injustice, and inequality, guiding all our efforts.

About you

This challenging role requires candidates to be enthusiastic, passionate about learning, and committed to contributing to the division’s diverse work. You should hold a planning qualification and demonstrate substantial knowledge and experience of planning within a major city environment. The ability to manage complex workloads, supervise others, and deliver high-quality work on time is essential. A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery is also important.

The role involves policy writing, research, monitoring, partnership collaboration, working with consultants, and contributing to the Local Plan. Candidates should have a solid understanding of planning policy, strategic planning issues, and the ability to interpret and simplify complex issues into effective development management policies.