Planning Manager - Local Authority

A large Local Authority has an exciting temporary role for an experienced Planning Manager senior professional.

Interim Team Manager - Planning£700 per day (Umbrella)Interim ContractAre you an experienced planning professional with a strong track record in development management, planning policy, and leadership? We are seeking an accomplished Interim Planning Manager to lead a high-performing planning service within a large public sector organisation.This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for managing planning policy, development management, monitoring, and enforcement functions, whilst providing strategic advice and ensuring the delivery of an effective, customer-focused planning service.

The RoleAs Team Manager - Planning, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of professional and technical staff, overseeing the delivery of complex planning services and contributing to the organisation's wider strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing all aspects of development management, planning policy, monitoring and enforcement activities.
• Overseeing the preparation, implementation, monitoring and review of Minerals and Waste Local Plans.
• Managing the planning application process from pre-application through to determination, appeals and enforcement.
• Building productive relationships with developers, consultants, elected members, government bodies and other key stakeholders.
• Preparing and presenting reports and recommendations to committees, boards and senior decision-makers.
• Providing expert planning advice on complex and high-profile planning matters.
• Managing team performance, service delivery, budgets and resources.
• Leading organisational change and driving continuous improvement across the planning function.
• Representing the organisation at planning appeals, hearings, enquiries and court proceedings where required.
• Keeping abreast of national planning policy, legislation and best practice, ensuring compliance and effective implementation.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

Essential

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent professional body.
• Significant senior-level planning experience within a local government environment.
• Extensive experience of:
• Development Management
• Planning Policy
• Local Plan preparation and delivery
• Planning appeals and public inquiries
• Leading and managing professional teams
• Budget management and service planning
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
• Committee reporting and presentations

Knowledge & Skills

• Advanced knowledge of planning legislation, policy and good practice.
• Strong understanding of strategic planning and the wider role of planning in public service delivery.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to drive service improvement and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building capabilities.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Experience working within a county-wide planning authority environment.
• Knowledge of minerals and waste planning.

What's on Offer

• High-profile public sector assignment.
• Opportunity to lead a key planning service through significant projects and strategic initiatives.
• Flexible working arrangements available - hybrid - 2 days in the office
• Immediate start preferred.