Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and development management to shape Thurrock's future.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic and fast-growing borough focused on modernization.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at local businesses.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey, making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Seeking ambitious candidates with experience in strategic planning or development management.
- Other info: Hybrid work setup with office just 2 minutes from the train station.
The predicted salary is between 72975 - 84333 £ per year.
Head of Strategic Planning
Head of Development Management
Salary: £72,975 – £84,333 per annum – Grade: I
Permanent Contracts (2 posts)
37 Hours per Week
Following a reshaping of the planning service, we are now looking for two exceptional and engaging individuals to join us as Head of Strategic Planning and Head of Development Management who can help us achieve our ambitious objectives.
For both roles, we are interested in candidates who demonstrate a high level of drive and ambition and enjoy working with a diverse set of planning challenges.
An opportunity to learn how to bring a Council out of intervention, you will play an integral role in facilitating and guiding the Council on its journey to modernization and financial sustainability – whilst transforming ways of working with our internal staff, elected members, residents, and leadership.
On the other side of the change, as we leave intervention, expect career-defining moments and a sense of pride that the Borough is not only fit for purpose but is ready to lead the way forward.
The Roles:
Head of Strategic Planning
We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Strategic Planning. This role is a unique and exciting opportunity to spearhead the development and delivery of strategic policies that balance growth, sustainability, and the needs of our residents. Thurrock is a dynamic, fast-growing borough, offering you the opportunity to tackle exciting challenges and play a key role in shaping its future. Bring your expertise, vision, and passion for strategic planning, and join a team committed to creating a better tomorrow.
For further details about the role and to apply please click on the ‘apply button ‘.
Head of Development Management
We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Development Management. We specifically want a candidate who has the drive to take our service forward and demonstrates a high level of ambition. You will need a background in Development Management with a capacity to lead a service through change. The Development Management service works on a range of cases, ranging from nationally significant through to householder proposals. Performance is critical to Thurrock’s planning service and you will be expected to ensure we continue on our improvement journey.
For further details about the role and to apply please click on the ‘apply button ‘.
These are fantastic opportunities to be at the heart of shaping the priorities for Thurrock Council. So, if you are ready to join Thurrock Council during this exciting time, bring your expertise, vision, and passion for strategic planning and development, and join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference and committed to creating a better tomorrow. Together, let’s build a Thurrock that works for everyone.
What’s in it for you:
- Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years’ service.
- Career average pension scheme.
- Relocation packages.
- Interest-free loans for green travel such as bikes or public transport season tickets.
- Salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes.
- Maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave above the statutory minimum.
- Employee assistance programme to provide support to employees both at and outside of work.
- Flexible working to help balance work and personal life including job sharing, part-time working, and home working.
- Buying additional annual leave.
- Career break scheme for up to 2 years.
- Wide range of courses to support employee development.
- Discounted rates for national restaurants, retailers, attractions, and experience days.
- Discounts with local suppliers including cycle, beauty and fashion stores, restaurants, estate agents, and driving schools.
- 24-hour health advice and support.
We also offer a hybrid working set-up; our office is just a 2-minute walk from the train station with rapid links in and out of Central London. Candidates are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for these posts.
If you have any queries or would like to have an informal discussion about the posts, please contact Ashley Baldwin – Chief Planning Officer at .
Advert Closing Date: 22nd December 2024
Interview Date: January 2025
To view the Job Profiles and Person Specifications please follow the links below:
Head of Strategic Planning: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Head of Development Management: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Strategic Planning/Head of Development Management employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Planning/Head of Development Management
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current strategic policies and planning challenges in Thurrock. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience in local government. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights and potentially valuable connections that may aid your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for modernizing planning services. Think about innovative strategies that could enhance efficiency and sustainability, as this aligns with the Council's goals for transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership experience in managing change within development management. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through transitions and improved performance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Planning/Head of Development Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Roles: Take the time to thoroughly read the job descriptions for both Head of Strategic Planning and Head of Development Management. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in strategic planning or development management. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the objectives of Thurrock Council.
Showcase Your Vision: Demonstrate your vision for the future of planning in Thurrock. Discuss how you would approach the challenges mentioned in the job description and what innovative strategies you would implement to achieve modernization and financial sustainability.
Personalize Your Application: Make sure to personalize your cover letter by addressing it to the hiring manager, if possible. Mention why you are specifically interested in working for Thurrock Council and how your values align with their mission to create a better tomorrow.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Strategic Planning
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for strategic planning and how it aligns with the goals of Thurrock Council. Share specific examples of how you've successfully balanced growth and sustainability in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading teams through change, especially in Development Management. Discuss how you have motivated and guided your team to achieve performance improvements and navigate challenges.
✨Prepare for Diverse Planning Challenges
Be ready to discuss various planning challenges you might face in a dynamic borough like Thurrock. Think about innovative solutions you've implemented in the past and how they could apply to the role.
✨Engage with the Council's Vision
Familiarize yourself with Thurrock Council's vision for modernization and financial sustainability. During the interview, connect your personal career goals with the council's objectives to show that you're aligned with their mission.
