At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive sustainable growth and shape Bedford's future.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council, a key player in community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Exciting leadership role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious projects that benefit residents and businesses.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified town planner with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 58490 - 62133 £ per year.
Bedford Borough Council plays a central role in shaping place and community, delivering ambitious projects that help residents and businesses thrive. Located within the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, the Borough is set to benefit from major transformational investment, including the Universal UK Resort, A421/A428 upgrades, East West Rail and emerging New Towns. This role offers the chance to drive sustainable, inclusive growth and help shape Bedford as a great place to live, work and invest.
We value our people, offering flexible and hybrid working, professional development and a collaborative culture. You will lead the strategic sites team, negotiate planning performance agreements and deliver a first‑class service across a multi‑disciplinary group including planners, urban designers, landscape architects, ecologists and highways specialists. You will also manage a small caseload and work with enforcement and policy teams. Strong communication, organisation and customer‑focused service are essential. We offer trust, autonomy and an innovative working environment.
This high‑profile leadership role sits within the Environment Directorate, leading the Council’s strategic sites and PPA agenda. You will need strong planning knowledge, negotiation skills and the ability to make balanced decisions. Duties include presenting to Planning Committee, representing the Council externally and occasionally acting as expert witness. A full UK driving licence is required. You must be a qualified town planner and RTPI member.
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.
Closing Date: 19th July 2026
Interview Date(s): W/C 27th July 2026
Please note: The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving) or a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes: Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship: Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Location: Bedfordshire, Borough Hall Bedford
Team Leader Strategic Sites in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and flexible working arrangements. As a leader in shaping sustainable growth within the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, employees have the unique opportunity to contribute to transformative projects that enhance community living and investment. With a commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse backgrounds, Bedford Borough Council fosters an environment where every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader Strategic Sites in Bedford
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from Bedford Borough Council who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader Strategic Sites in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at Bedford Borough Council!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to Bedford Borough Council. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at Bedford Borough Council.
