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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning strategy and policy for Bedford Borough's ambitious development projects.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council, a key player in the exciting Oxford Cambridge Arc growth area.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time permanent role with a vibrant work culture and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Bedford while working on once-in-a-generation projects that leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Must hold a professional qualification (MRTPI) and have experience in policy planning and leadership.
- Other info: Flexible work hours, supportive of diverse applicants, and located just 40 minutes from Central London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary Range (£ pro rata for part time roles)
Contract Type
Full time permanent
Contract Hours
37
Job Advert
Bedford Borough is one of the most exciting and upcoming places in the UK to work as a Planner. It is a key growth area at the heart of the Oxford Cambridge Arc, with opportunities for transport and growth opening up with East West Rail. There is also a potential international tourist attraction which, if it goes ahead, will provide unparalleled employment opportunities for our residents and growth opportunities for existing and future businesses within the Borough. We also have a number of other key strategic development sites on both brownfield and greenfield land. All of these opportunities demand a can-do, creative workforce who will work together to shape the Borough for our future residents and businesses to prosper.
Less than 40 minutes from Central London by rail, Bedford Borough is a great place to live and work with surrounding picturesque villages, high-attainment public and private schools, thousands of acres of open green space and the River Great Ouse embankment and promenade at the centre of Bedford.
We are aiming to recruit an exceptional individual to join Team Bedford and play a central role in shaping and delivering the Borough’s bold and ambitious place-shaping agenda. The Manager for Planning Strategy and Policy will be replacing the previous post-holder who is retiring, and will be responsible for progressing the new Local Plan for the Borough, as well as overseeing the development of site briefs and developing policy for our key strategic sites. We are looking for an experienced policy planner to lead the team through the examination of our Local Plan 2040 and the preparation of our next Plan.
To succeed in this role you will need to hold a suitable professional qualification (MRTPI) and be an experienced and highly motivated leader in the planning profession. You will have a passion for place-shaping services with a focus on achieving delivery. You will also have a track record of developing and nurturing talent, of developing creative solutions to improve service delivery, and strong budgeting and financial management skills to ensure value for money.
There has never been a more exciting time to live and work in Bedford, where you will play a key role in planning for and delivering once in a generation projects which will have a long-lasting legacy.
For further information, please contact .
Closing Date: 23/03/2025
Interview Date: 01/04/2025
How to apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Bedford Borough Council are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant, Disabled Applicants and Care Leavers Covenant.
Additional Vacancy Information
Allowance (pro rata for part time roles)
N/A
Work Pattern
Monday to Friday – 7.4 hours per day
Is this an enhanced DBS role?
No
Is this a politically restricted role?
Yes
Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker?
Yes
Vacancy Location
Location
Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough Council Recruitment, Bedford
Location
Borough Hall Cauldwell Street MK42 9AP Bedford
Is this a designated car user position?
No
Attachments
Job Profile
Attachments
Job Profile
Manager for Planning Strategy & Policy August 2024.doc (1019 Kb)
CV Template
CV Template.docx (16 Kb)
General information
Reference
0008383-1948
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Manager for Planning and Strategy employer: D S D
Contact Detail:
D S D Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager for Planning and Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current Local Plan for Bedford Borough and any upcoming projects, especially those related to the Oxford Cambridge Arc. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the local context during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning field, particularly those who have experience in policy development and place-shaping. Attend local planning events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed talent in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your creative solutions led to improved service delivery or project outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the financial management aspects of planning projects, as strong budgeting skills are essential for this role. Be ready to share your experiences managing budgets and ensuring value for money in past projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager for Planning and Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Carefully read the job description for the Manager for Planning and Strategy position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the skills needed to succeed in this role.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications that align with the essential selection criteria mentioned in the job profile. Emphasize your leadership skills, policy planning experience, and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, provide clear and concise yes/no answers. If applicable, consider adding brief explanations to showcase your qualifications and experiences that relate to the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and responses to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at D S D
✨Show Your Passion for Place-Shaping
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for place-shaping services during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar projects in the past and how you envision making a positive impact in Bedford.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading teams and developing talent. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully guided teams through complex planning processes.
✨Prepare for Financial Management Questions
Since strong budgeting and financial management skills are crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Bring examples of how you've ensured value for money in previous projects.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Local Plans
Research Bedford's current Local Plan and any upcoming developments. Being knowledgeable about local planning initiatives will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your readiness to contribute to the Borough's ambitious agenda.
