Spatial Planning Manager

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector employer in York is seeking a Spatial Planning Manager to set the strategic direction of the Combined Authority and lead the delivery of the Spatial Development Strategy. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with local authorities and stakeholders, providing expert planning advice. The role requires Chartered RTPI membership, strong knowledge of planning law, and proven leadership skills. This position offers a flexible hybrid working model, generous leave entitlement, and commitment to staff development.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement, starting at 28 days plus 8 bank holidays

Flexible working practices

Local government pension scheme

Commitment to staff development and continuous learning

Qualifications

• Chartered RTPI membership and a relevant planning qualification.
• Strong knowledge of planning law, policy, and governance.
• Proven experience in plan-making, consultation, and policy development.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic spatial planning and statutory planning functions.
• Develop evidence‑based policies and manage complex projects.
• Work closely with local authorities, government departments, and stakeholders.
• Provide expert planning advice to the Mayor and senior leadership.
• Drive innovation and service transformation within planning.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Planning law knowledge

Policy development

Education

Chartered RTPI membership

Relevant planning qualification

Job description

Spatial Planning Manager

Salary: £52,414 - £55,539

Hours: 37 Hours

Contract: Permanent

Location: York Hybrid Working

The Organisation

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority was established as a new organisation in early 2024.It is a public sector employer with access to powers and funding to unlock transport and housing improvements, boost skills provision and help the economy transition to net zero for York and North Yorkshire. The Mayor also holds responsibilities in relation to Policing, Fire and Crime. Making the most of the combined strengths of the city region and rural powerhouse, the Combined Authority is a long-term commitment to shaping a brighter future for generations to come. By working for us you will play a part in making positive changes, unlocking investment, supporting business and communities to thrive and creating new and better opportunities for people that live and work here.

The Opportunity

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking to appoint a Spatial Planning Manager. The Combined Authority (CA) has a bold vision to become a trailblazer for devolution and achieve substantial growth for the economy of York and North Yorkshire. Key to unlocking these ambitions will be setting the strategic direction for the CA, alongside strong partnership-working at a local, regional and national level.

Reporting to the Head of Strategy, Policy and Planning, you will lead the delivery of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) in partnership with Local Planning Authorities. This includes developing, promoting, and implementing the Combined Authority’s statutory strategic planning responsibilities.

Additionally, you will:

• Lead strategic spatial planning and statutory planning functions.
• Develop evidence‑based policies and manage complex projects.
• Work closely with local authorities, government departments, and stakeholders.
• Provide expert planning advice to the Mayor and senior leadership.
• Drive innovation and service transformation within planning.

What you will bring

• Chartered RTPI membership and a relevant planning qualification.
• Strong knowledge of planning law, policy, and governance.
• Proven experience in plan-making, consultation, and policy development.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.

You will be joining a new and developing organisation at an exciting time. The benefits of working for us include:

• Generous leave entitlement, starting at 28 days plus 8 bank holidays (pro‑rota for part time staff)
• Flexible working practices including working from other locations and from home
• Local government pension scheme
• Commitment to staff development and continuous learning

To find out more about our organisation please visit https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk

Key Documents

YNYCA Job Description Spatial Planning Manager.docx

Contact and Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Andrew Leeming via [e-mail] for an informal conversation.

Applying is easy, simply register your details, tell us how you meet our criteria in the supporting evidence section, remove your personal details from your CV and upload.

Key Dates

Closing date: Monday 26th January 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 4th February 2026