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- Tasks: Lead the planning policy team and shape Rother's Local Plan.
- Company: Join Rother District Council, a vibrant council in beautiful East Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and great employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Planning degree and RTPI membership required; experience in planning policy is essential.
- Other info: Applications welcome from all backgrounds; informal discussions encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 46063 - 50669 £ per year.
Overview
Planning Policy Team Leader
Location: Buckinghamshire County Wide
If you have substantial experience working within planning policy, including on local plans, can demonstrate the ability to work closely and collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, and are able to support and develop staff, this Planning Policy Team Leader opportunity could be the role for you.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
Planning Policy is a large and well-resourced team within Spatial Planning and Climate Resilience, as part of our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate.
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate work with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
A key opportunity to shape the future is the Local Plan for Buckinghamshire that we are at the early stages of preparing, working across our different services and with our partners to develop an ambitious plan for Buckinghamshire. We are also active in supporting many town and parish councils as they prepare neighbourhood plans, as well as ensuring we have high quality development monitoring information in place to underpin all we do.
About the role
As an experienced planning policy professional, you will manage one of the two sub-teams within Planning Policy and take on complex and key work areas in preparing the Buckinghamshire Local Plan as well as a range of other planning policy work.
We want to play to your strengths but also provide the opportunity for you to develop and broaden your skills and experience.
We also want you to help others to grow and develop by line managing more junior officers, providing them with the 1:1 support they need to enable them to progress as they gain more experience and responsibility.
Any-Desk:
As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About you
You will have excellent interpersonal, persuasion, and negotiation skills with a high level of personal expertise and experience in planning policy, particularly in relation to local plans. You will have an ability to support and develop staff, through performance management training and coaching, and be able to work collaboratively across teams and with partners.
You will have a planning degree and full membership of the RTPI (or be eligible for membership).
Other information
The team is currently working two days per week in one of the Council’s three principal offices in Aylesbury and High Wycombe, and three days at home.
Number of positions available: 1
Interview-type / process: In person
If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Charlotte Morris, Planning Policy Manager at charlotte.morris@buckinghamshire.gov.uk
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Our values and culture
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
- a fair and inclusive culture
- the chance to really make a difference to those around you
- health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
- a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
- ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
- opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.
About the Business Unit
Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.
Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.
It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
To apply please click on the \’apply button\’
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Planning Policy Team Leader 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 Planning Policy Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Rother District Council's current planning policies and recent developments in the area. This knowledge will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning field, especially those who have experience with local councils. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing planning policy projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to local plans or similar initiatives, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to present a mock planning policy proposal during the interview. This will highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively, which is crucial for the Planning Policy Team Leader position.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Policy Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Planning Policy Team Leader position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your significant planning policy experience and any relevant qualifications, such as your degree and RTPI membership. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your analytical and communication skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying and your understanding of the local plan process. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for contributing to Rother District Council's goals and values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Understand the Local Plan Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the local plan process, its aims, and the legislative background. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these aspects and how you can contribute to the Council's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Planning Policy Team Leader, analytical skills are crucial. Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully analysed data or policies, and be ready to explain your thought process during the interview.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present ideas or policies, so consider how you would convey complex information to different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be managing planning policy officers, highlight your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've led a team or project, focusing on how you motivated others and achieved results.
