Planning Team Leader

Responsible for providing complex planning advice and applying this to the determination of planning applications, preparation of planning policy and guidance or other activities related to the town planning and regeneration service. To lead teams of professional planners and regeneration officers in carrying out the functions of the planning and regeneration service and be responsible for the provision of highest quality, outcomes focused on the needs of clients including the Cabinet, committees, steering groups, other council bodies and elected members.

Principal accountabilities & Job context

• To deliver complex and specialised town planning services including development management, the preparation of planning policy and delivery of planning related regeneration projects in accordance with recognised performance standards and delivery plans.
• To take responsibility for decisions and recommendations regarding development management, planning policy and other related planning and regeneration projects and activities that will have far reaching and lasting effects on the development of the borough and which have significant impacts on the local environment, economy and community.
• To provide advice on the statutory planning process reaching the highest standards of clarity and accuracy and to ensure that the impacts of planning policy and decisions is properly monitored and reported to demonstrate that it is effective in achieving the councils aims.
• To lead teams of professional staff working on planning decisions, policy and regeneration projects and apply effective methods of project management to ensure that all staff are operating at the appropriate level, are fully cooperating with all relevant colleagues and partner organisations and in accordance with all relevant procedures.
• To innovate and promote service excellence so that all aspects of the service are delivered in the most effective way.
• To demonstrate political awareness in the provision of expert advice to members and senior officers of the council on all aspects of planning decisions, policy and regeneration projects.
• To attend and advise at formal meetings, to include committees and sub-committees, members, chief officers, steering groups and departments on matters relating to the work of the Planning and Growth Division.
• To communicate with authority and clarity on behalf of the council in high level negotiations with outside organisations on matters with far reaching and long lasting financial and political consequences.
• To maintain good governance and implement new procedures in accordance with changes in legislation, revised council policy including the review of charges imposed in relation to specific services.
• To oversee the carrying out and commissioning of research to support planning decisions, the development of planning policy and the implementation of regeneration projects.
• To ensure continuous improvements within the area of expertise, and that the service is responsive to the changing environment.
• To maintain the improvement in equal opportunities in employment and service delivery.
• To undertake other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post.

The Planning and Growth Division works with all parts of the council, to promote investment in the borough, deliver more and better housing to meet the boroughs needs, promote economic development and life chances and improve the quality of life generally and promote quality and excellence. The planning and regeneration service provides the statutory and strategic context for this development through the preparation of planning policy and guidance, development management and building control services, transport policy and planning related projects.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Knowledge, including educational qualifications: The post holder must hold a degree in a relevant subject or a relevant professional qualification and provide evidence of continuing professional development. An understanding of how services are provided in a Local Government context and political awareness. An understanding of management concepts, practices and principles gained through experience. An understanding of the issues and financial constraints facing local government and, in particular, the services provided by the units under the post holders direction. An in-depth understanding of town planning and urban regeneration issues in a major city context.
• Experience: Substantial experience of town planning in a major city context. Achievement of results to planned deadlines requiring complex technical work. Preparation of reports to committee and/or senior council officers and external organisations. Planning and carrying out public consultation exercises. Produces written information which is clear and succinct. Presents ideas in a well-structured format and in a manner appropriate to the context and the audience. Able to create a clear brief for action where required.
• Customer orientation: Constantly strives to achieve customer satisfaction. Is sensitive to the needs of internal and external customers. Demands a strong customer focus from all staff. Recognises the business importance of customer satisfaction.
• Technical knowledge and skills: Has specialist knowledge of planning and appreciates the processes in delivering the statutory planning service in a local planning authority. Uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to measure performance in own specialism. Possesses the ability to provide support and guidance to skilled staff in technical matters that may be outside the post holders detailed area of expertise.
• Energy and resilience: Is enthusiastic and committed. Demonstrates a capacity for sustained effort and hard work over long periods. Remains calm, objective and in control in stressful situations. Maintains stable performance under pressure. Resilient and persevering. Copes with disappointments and setbacks.