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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Planning Service, ensuring effective delivery and coordination.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, a supportive organisation committed to community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options, flexible hours, and a great work/life balance.
- Why this job: This role offers career growth in a friendly environment with a focus on quality and improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning, RTPI chartered membership, and relevant experience required.
- Other info: Applications must be submitted online; CVs are not accepted.
The predicted salary is between 68488 - 77157 £ per year.
Location: Council HQ John Muir House Brewery Park Haddington, EH41 3HA
Salary: £68,488 - £77,157 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Work From Home: Hybrid
Vacancy Information
Hourly rate of pay: £17.04 - £18.45
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00
Flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible.
To start 1st August 2025.
A rare opportunity has arisen to manage and lead our high performing Planning Service. You will need to have:
- outstanding organisational and communication skills;
- significant experience of working in the planning system at a senior level;
- an ability to work at a strategic level with senior colleagues from a wide range of partner organisations;
- sound knowledge of relevant key legislation and national guidance;
- enthusiasm and commitment to high quality work and continuous service improvement.
East Lothian is a beautiful and varied landscape stretching from the coastline to the north across the agricultural plain to the Lammermuir Hills to the south. It is also an area undergoing significant development. Based within the heart of the area at Haddington, the role offers the potential for great work / life balance, with the flexibility of hybrid working. A great place to further develop your career, and take on senior management responsibility within a supportive and friendly environment.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for homeworking or hybrid working will be considered for this post, subject to a trial period and in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. All applicants must live in the UK and will be expected to attend Council offices from time to time as required.
To ensure the co-ordinated management and delivery of the Planning service. Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements
- Relevant Qualifications Degree in town planning or equivalent discipline recognised by RTPI.
- Chartered membership of the RTPI.
- Relevant post-graduate qualifications.
- Continuing Professional Development evidence.
- Level 1 Disclosure Clearance.
This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement. Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website. Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form. Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Service Manager - Planning employer: East Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
East Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the 'East Lothian Way' values and behaviours. Understanding these will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing how you embody these principles in your work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with East Lothian Council. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic experience in planning at a senior level. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led projects or initiatives, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage the Planning Service effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent developments and challenges in the East Lothian area. Being knowledgeable about local issues will show your commitment to the role and your ability to contribute positively to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description and person specification for the Service Manager - Planning role. Make sure you understand the essential criteria and responsibilities, as you'll need to demonstrate how you meet these in your application.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application form to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements of the position. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your organisational and communication skills, as well as your strategic planning experience.
Demonstrate Knowledge of Legislation: Showcase your understanding of key legislation and national guidance related to planning. This could be through mentioning specific laws or policies you've worked with, which will demonstrate your expertise in the field.
Familiarise Yourself with 'The East Lothian Way': Review the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council, known as 'The East Lothian Way'. Be prepared to reflect these in your application and potentially during the interview process, as they may ask questions based on these behaviours.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know the Planning Service Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Planning Service's role and responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in East Lothian and how they impact planning. This will show your genuine interest and preparedness for the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your organisational and communication skills, as these are crucial for managing a high-performing service. Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic planning and collaboration with partner organisations.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Key Legislation
Brush up on relevant legislation and national guidance related to planning. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role. Consider how these laws apply to current issues in East Lothian.
✨Embrace the 'East Lothian Way'
Review the values and behaviours expected from employees as outlined in the 'East Lothian Way'. Prepare to provide examples of how you embody these values in your work. This will help you align with the council's culture and expectations.
