At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and shape long-term development priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on impactful planning policy and strategy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban development and engage with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Town Planner with strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced Head of Planning Policy and Strategy to lead strategic planning functions and shape long‑term development priorities. This interim leadership role is responsible for overseeing planning policy, driving strategic frameworks and ensuring compliance with planning legislation and local development objectives.
The successful candidate will manage policy development, strategic projects and cross‑departmental collaboration while providing expert professional guidance to senior leaders and stakeholders. Flexibility is required with an average expectation of 23 days per week onsite.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership & Planning Policy
- Lead the development, review and delivery of the Local Plan and related planning policy frameworks.
- Provide strategic direction for long‑term spatial planning, regeneration, land use and growth strategies.
- Ensure planning policy reflects statutory requirements, national guidance and local priorities.
- Programme & Project Oversight
- Oversee major planning policy programmes, research projects and consultation activities.
- Manage and guide multidisciplinary teams delivering strategic planning work.
- Ensure timely delivery of reports, evidence bases and policy documents.
- Stakeholder Management
- Engage with elected members, senior officers, developers, local partners and government bodies.
- Lead public consultations, hearings, briefings and stakeholder sessions.
- Represent the organisation at external meetings, workshops and planning examinations.
- Governance, Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure planning policy complies with national planning frameworks and local governance standards.
- Prepare and present reports, policy updates, Cabinet papers and strategic recommendations.
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of planning processes.
- Ideal Candidate Profile
- Essential
- Qualified and highly experienced Town Planner (RTPI membership ideal).
- Strong leadership experience within planning policy, strategy or spatial planning.
- Proven track record delivering Local Plans, strategic planning frameworks or major policy programmes.
- Excellent understanding of planning legislation, national planning policy and local authority processes.
- Strong communication, advisory and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and lead complex, high‑impact planning activity.
- Desirable
- Experience in an interim leadership or senior management role.
- Background working within local government or large public‑sector organisations.
- Experience of cross‑functional strategic planning projects.
Hybrid model: typically 23 days per week in the office with flexibility depending on service needs.
BenefitsHow to Apply: If you are an experienced Town Planner with strong strategic leadership skills click Apply Now or send your CV to: (email protected)
Head of Planning Policy and Strategy (MG5) in London employer: Centurion Staunch Innovative Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Centurion Staunch Innovative Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning Policy and Strategy (MG5) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's recent projects and policies. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their work. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask insightful questions!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow relevant organisations and engage with their content. It’s a great way to stay updated on industry trends and can even lead to job leads.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing applications come directly from our platform, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there. So, don’t hesitate—get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning Policy and Strategy (MG5) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed, as we want to see how you can drive strategic planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for planning policy and strategy, and don’t forget to mention any experience with local government or public-sector organisations.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to engage with various stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can effectively communicate and collaborate with elected members, senior officers, and local partners, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centurion Staunch Innovative Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning legislation and local development objectives. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with these policies will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific projects where your strategic direction made a significant impact. This will demonstrate your capability to manage complex planning activities effectively.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you’ve engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to public consultations and how you’ve navigated challenging conversations with elected members or developers. This is key for the role!
✨Prepare for Governance and Compliance Questions
Expect questions around governance and compliance in planning policy. Brush up on how you’ve ensured adherence to national frameworks and local standards in your past work. This will show your understanding of the importance of these elements in strategic planning.