Strategic Planning Policy Lead

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; Northallerton; Hybrid; GBP 53,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension scheme

Salary sacrifice schemes

Employee discount benefits

Health Assured – wellbeing support

Learning, development and careerAdvanc

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is seeking an experienced Planning Policy & Place Manager to lead the preparation and delivery of the North Yorkshire Local Plan, guiding housing, economic growth and environmental sustainability. The role combines political acumen with professional leadership across multiple locations.

You will head a team of planning professionals, manage complex projects, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement strategy and drive place-making across Northallerton and beyond.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of leading complex planning policy and plan-making programmes from inception to independent examination.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, national planning policy and the wider place-shaping agenda.
• Proven ability to manage staff, budgets and resources within a complex organisational environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence, negotiate and build effective partnerships.
• A sound understanding of local political processes, with the ability to provide clear, credible advice to senior leaders and external organisations.
• A proactive, innovative and collaborative approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive positive change.
• A degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (or a related discipline recognised by the RTPI) and Chartered Membership of the RTPI.

Responsibilities

• Take major planning policy projects from inception through to adoption and implementation.
• Provide expert advice on planning policy, place-shaping and legislative requirements.
• Lead, support and develop a high-performing team working across multiple locations.
• Oversee consultation and engagement programmes with communities and stakeholders.
• Represent the council at examinations, inquiries, hearings, committees and partnership meetings, including acting as an expert witness where required.
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations to senior officers, committees, Executive Members and elected members.
• Drive continuous improvement and service transformation, helping to build a strong one-team culture within the Planning Service, contributing to organisational change and the council’s wider corporate priorities.
• Manage budgets, resources and commissioned consultancy support.
• Build strategic partnerships with local authorities, government agencies, infrastructure providers and other key stakeholders.

Skills

Planning policy leadership

Plan-making

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Team leadership

Policy advice

Political awareness

Education

Town and Country Planning degree (RTPI chartered)

Job description

North Yorkshire Council is seeking an experienced Planning Policy & Place Manager to lead the preparation and delivery of the North Yorkshire Local Plan, guiding housing, economic growth and environmental sustainability. The role combines political acumen with professional leadership across multiple locations.

You will head a team of planning professionals, manage complex projects, and collaborate with stakeholders to implement strategy and drive place-making across Northallerton and beyond.