Planning Policy Manager

Starting salary for this role is £62,112 (pro rata for part-time colleagues). The role sits within a well defined pay band with clear progression opportunities and employees begin at the entry point of the band.

Role Overview

BCP Council is seeking an experienced Planning Policy Manager to lead the development and delivery of the council's planning policy function. The position supports continuity through a permanent appointment or an interim appointment of approximately four months from August2026.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the work, resources and budget of the Planning Policy Team.
• Ensure delivery of all statutory work, including Local Plan preparation, monitoring, returns to Government, and statutory policy work such as habitat regulations, nutrient neutrality and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Oversee the planning application decisions, appeals, and other statutory policy matters.
• Manage the Local Plan budget and control costs for the team.
• Adopt and use new technology solutions to support plan making and policy work.
• Provide expert guidance to planning staff and senior management on complex statutory and technical policy issues.

Qualifications

• Specialist qualifications in Town Planning and chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• Extensive experience leading a team of planning professionals.
• Experience leading on Local Plan preparation and examination, acting as an expert witness and senior planning expert at public examinations, inquiries and committees.
• Strong ability to plan and manage a complex statutory and technical workload and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Personal qualities, knowledge, skills, and attributes as set out in the general job role profile.

Other Requirements

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates will be expected to indicate their preference for a permanent or interim appointment in the application.

Benefits

BCP Council offers an enhanced benefits package, but does not provide relocation expenses for this role. Full details are available on the council's career site.

Equal Opportunity Statement

BCP Council is an inclusive organisation committed to providing a fully supportive recruitment process and to making reasonable adjustments. We are a Disability Confident Employer and strive to ensure all candidates have access to the support they need.