Planning Policy Team Leader

Vox Network Consultants; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council in London seeks a planning professional to deliver policy and monitoring support. The role involves working with various stakeholders to manage planning applications and contribute to strategic planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with council objectives. Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of urban planning, regeneration issues, and climate emergency expertise.

Qualifications

• Ongoing professional development in planning.
• Expertise on climate emergency and urban regeneration.

Responsibilities

• Deliver complex planning policy expertise.
• Provide clear advice on statutory planning processes.
• Support team collaboration on climate initiatives.

Skills

Project Management

Urban Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Role Purpose

You will work with teams of professional officers in the delivery of policy and monitoring to support the functions of the planning service. You will be responsible for providing high-quality, outcome-focused support tailored to the needs of clients, including the Cabinet, committees, steering groups, other council teams, and elected members.

You will also work with local partners, stakeholders, and other council departments to identify and manage policy and monitoring opportunities that support the Council’s key objectives. This involves linking these opportunities to the determination of planning applications, and the preparation and implementation of planning policy, guidance, projects, or other activities related to town planning.

Responsibilities

• Deliver complex and specialised planning policy expertise within the planning services, including contributing to development management, planning policy preparation, and delivery of planning-related projects in line with recognised performance standards and delivery plans.
• Contribute to decisions and recommendations regarding development management, planning policy, and related projects, considering their impact on the borough’s development, environment, economy, and community. Conduct research and evaluation on cases and projects that could influence land development value, development capacity, and council priorities such as affordable housing, with significant environmental implications.
• Provide clear and accurate advice on the statutory planning process and ensure that the impacts of planning and transport policies are properly monitored and reported, demonstrating effectiveness in achieving the council’s aims. Address legal, reputational, and financial risks associated with planning decisions.
• Support team collaboration with other professional staff on climate emergency initiatives, transport planning, and related projects, demonstrating project management skills and cooperation with colleagues and partners according to procedures.
• Promote innovation and service excellence to deliver the planning service effectively.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role’s level of responsibility.

Requirements

• A degree in a relevant subject or a professional qualification, with evidence of ongoing professional development, and an understanding of management principles gained through experience.
• Deep understanding of urban planning and regeneration issues in a major city context, and how planning can contribute to these.
• An understanding of equality issues in Southwark and for the Council, including practical knowledge of social exclusion challenges within inner London boroughs.
• Experience in providing expertise on the climate emergency.
• Experience in strategic planning and decision-making at local and regional levels, working with diverse communities, analyzing their needs and views to achieve positive outcomes.