Planning Strategy & Specialist Services Manager

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Planning Strategy & Specialist Services Manager to lead the preparation of a new Local Plan and manage specialist functions. This senior role will have a key impact on the future of Fenland, supporting growth and infrastructure planning. You will work collaboratively across several departments and enhance decision-making processes related to ecology and the historic environment. The position offers a competitive salary and a chance to shape the local community's future.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading the preparation of planning strategies.
• Ability to oversee specialist functions like ecology and historic environment.
• Proven track record in managing projects and infrastructure delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's planning strategy and specialist services.
• Prepare a new Local Plan under the reformed plan-making system.
• Provide strategic leadership on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Collaboration across disciplines

Expertise in planning

Knowledge of infrastructure planning

Understanding of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Job description

Planning Strategy & Specialist Services Manager

Salary up to £63,110 per annum (plus £6,112 car allowance) + a 10% market supplement after successfully completing probation period, followed by a retention payment after three years’ service

37 hours per week

This is a senior role at the heart of Fenland’s place-shaping agenda.

Help Shape the Next Chapter of Fenland

Fenland is a pro-growth district with a growing strategic role in regional growth and major infrastructure delivery.

As we prepare a new Local Plan under the reformed plan-making system—alongside the Fens Growth Triangle and nationally significant projects such as Fens Reservoir—we are expanding our Planning Strategy & Specialist Services Team to help shape Fenland’s future.

The Opportunity

Fenland is a place that is growing and changing, with real opportunities to make a lasting difference. Our towns and villages are evolving, major investment is coming forward, and the decisions we take now will shape how Fenland develops for many years to come.

As a pro-growth Council, we are preparing a new Local Plan under the reformed plan-making system, alongside major initiatives such as the Fens Growth Triangle and nationally significant projects including Fens Reservoir. This is an exciting moment to help set a clear direction for the district and to plan positively for growth that supports our communities and economy.

We work with a strong One Council ethos, bringing together expertise from planning, communities, housing, transport and environmental services. These roles offer the opportunity to work across disciplines, collaborate with a wide range of colleagues and partners, and contribute to joined-up solutions that shape places and deliver real outcomes for Fenland.

You will lead the Council’s planning strategy and specialist services, playing a central role in shaping Fenland’s long-term future. This includes leading the preparation of a new Local Plan, overseeing neighbourhood planning, and managing specialist functions such as ecology, the historic environment, arboriculture and monitoring. You will provide strategic leadership on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and infrastructure delivery planning, and represent the Council in wider strategic work, including spatial development strategies at CPCA level.

You will lead the Council’s planning strategy and specialist services, guiding how Fenland grows and develops over the long term. A key priority will be delivering a new Local Plan under the reformed plan-making system, supported by a clear spatial strategy, strong evidence base and effective neighbourhood planning.

You will manage specialist functions including ecology, the historic environment, arboriculture and monitoring, ensuring they add real value to planning and decision-making. You will also provide strategic leadership on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, oversee infrastructure delivery planning, and represent the Council in wider strategic work, including spatial development strategies at CPCA level.

Working within a strong One Council ethos, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across planning, communities, housing, transport and environmental services, helping to deliver joined-up, positive outcomes for Fenland.

If you are interested in this post and would like to apply, please complete an application form (please read the guidance notes) and send to the Human Resources team, by email to [e-mail]

Application forms are available to download from our website, by clicking on the 'apply button'

Closing Date

Wednesday 21st January 2026