At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic planning team delivering high-quality regulatory services to local authorities.
- Company: Capita, a leading consultancy transforming public and private sector services.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, volunteering days, pension scheme, and diverse employee benefits.
- Other info: Home-based role with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of planning while working with a talented team in a flexible environment.
- Qualifications: RTPI membership and strong experience in regulatory planning required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Capita Local Public Services is looking for an experienced Head of Planning to lead our Planning function - a role that effectively operates as the Head of Planning within our professional consultancy. This is an exciting opportunity to shape, grow and lead a planning team delivering high‑quality regulatory services into local authorities across the UK.
As the Head of Planning, you will lead a multidisciplinary planning team of around 19 people, including Development Management planners, Principal Planners, Planning Managers and a small Planning Policy team. You will drive operational excellence, ensure high‑quality project delivery, and support the commercial performance of the function. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong planning expertise, team leadership capability, and the ability to operate in a commercial consultancy environment. Important: This is not a local authority Head of Planning role. You will be leading a consultancy‑based planning team that provides development management, policy work, and planning expertise into local authorities. This is a home‑based role with regular travel required to our Belfast and Manchester offices (typically weekly or as needed to support team relationships and delivery).
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the full planning team (approx. 19 people) across Development Management and Planning Policy
- Providing day‑to‑day leadership, coaching, 1:1s, performance management and resource oversight
- Ensuring high standard delivery of regulatory planning services into local authority clients
- Supporting project delivery where needed, including occasional hands‑on DM or policy work
- Contributing to forecasting, commercial reviews and fee proposal development
- Driving quality, utilisation and operational efficiency within the team
- Representing the Planning function within the consultancy and supporting wider business priorities
What We're Looking For
- Essential RTPI membership
- Degree in Town Planning or a closely related discipline
- Strong experience in regulatory planning (local authority OR consultancy serving local authorities)
- Demonstrated management and leadership experience
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience
- P&L or commercial management experience (beneficial but not essential)
About Capita
Capita is an outsourcer, helping clients across the public and private sectors run complex business processes more efficiently, creating better consumer experiences. Operating across 8 countries, Capita's 41,000 colleagues support primarily UK and European clients with people‑based services underpinned by market‑leading technology. We're a vital support service for our clients, enabling the everyday interactions that we expect to run seamlessly, to run seamlessly. A publicly listed business with adjusted revenue of £2.6bn, Capita's areas of focus are Central Government, Local Public Service, Defence, Learning, Fire & Security, Contact Centres and Pensions Solutions. We're embracing change to respond to the ever‑changing needs of society, creating better outcomes for all our stakeholders.
What's in it for you?
- 23 days' holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave
- The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice
- Auto‑enrolment to our company pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks' fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks...and plenty more
- Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle - from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology
- Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform
- You'll get the chance to follow your chosen career path anywhere in Capita. You'll be joining a network of experienced, innovative and dedicated individuals across multiple disciplines and sectors. There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we'll provide the support you need to do just that. Our purpose is to create a better outcome for you.
What we hope you'll do next:
Choose "Apply now" to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. At Capita, we're committed to providing an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. We want everyone to have the best chance of succeeding as they move through their application and start their career with us. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer, we want to hear from you if you'd like to discuss any adjustments you might need during your recruitment process. Please email reasonableadjustments@capita.com or call 07784 237318 and we'll get back to you to discuss. For more information about equal opportunities and the types of adjustments we can offer, please visit the Capita Careers website.
Head of Town Planning employer: Capita Resourcing – Jobs At Capita
Capita Local Public Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration within a multidisciplinary planning team. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including flexible leave options, a supportive pension scheme, and opportunities for volunteering, all while empowering our staff to develop their careers in a consultancy environment that values innovation and operational excellence.
Contact Details:
Capita Resourcing – Jobs At Capita Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Town Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Capita and its consultancy approach. Understand their values and how they operate within local authorities. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and driving project success. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've led multidisciplinary teams to achieve operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Capita and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Town Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in planning and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Planning, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re keen to see your management style and how you’ve led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve coached and developed your team members to achieve operational excellence.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just click 'Apply now' and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Capita Resourcing – Jobs At Capita
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your regulatory planning knowledge, especially in a consultancy context. Be ready to discuss your experience with local authorities and how you've led teams in delivering high-quality services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and coached teams in the past. Highlight your approach to performance management and how you foster a collaborative environment, as this role requires strong team leadership.
✨Understand the Commercial Side
Familiarise yourself with P&L management and commercial reviews, even if it's not essential. Being able to speak about how you can contribute to the financial success of the planning function will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
Since the role may involve occasional hands-on work in Development Management or policy, prepare to discuss specific projects where you've been directly involved. This shows your willingness to lead by example and support your team when needed.
