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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning initiatives and oversee operational projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Council with ambitious goals for community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic planning and leadership roles required.
- Other info: Full-time position with a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 77557 - 85211 £ per year.
Lead Recruitment Consultant – Town Planning
CHIEF PLANNING OFFICER
Location: Petersfield, Hampshire
Salary: £77,557- £85,211 per annum
Employment type: Full-time (Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week) | Permanent
Are you an experienced planner, manager and leader looking for a change? Do you want to lead a team that is collaborative, friendly, and knowledgeable in a beautiful part of the country? Can you rise to the challenge of delivering growth to meet the needs of the district whilst protecting the highest quality of natural and built environment?
This is an exciting time to join us in the newly created Chief Planning Officer role, managing the whole planning function, as we prepare a new development plan and deliver substantial growth with Whitehill and Bordon new town, and a high number of very large major applications in an area including, and surrounded by, heritage, protected landscape and habitats.
This role is within the Operations Directorate. As an organisation we have big ambitions and aspirations for the future of the District and our Council and services.
As our Chief Planning Officer, you’ll be at the helm for communication, leadership, and service excellence. Inspiring and empowering your team to deliver sustainable development in the District; transformative change as well as involvement in the delivery of our Local Plan ahead of Local Government Re‑organisation; use of new planning technology and involvement in an invested enforcement team. You will be the lead professional planning advisor to the Council and its Planning Committee, helping to ensure planning makes a full contribution to the economic, social and environmental well‑being of the District.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Positive: A resilient and flexible leader who is open to change. Someone who will lead their teams to success and be a champion for our values and behaviours.
- Bold: Lead fearlessly, guiding your team towards ambitious goals and ensuring the effective delivery of the strategic and transformation plans of the Council. Look for solutions and work with others to implement them.
- Respectful: Lead and act with integrity, be supportive, instill trust and confidence within your peers, teams and members.
- Results driven: Set challenging goals for yourself and others, taking ownership of your part in the delivery of the Council Strategy and be open to the feedback that comes as part of that.
In return for your hard work and contribution, we can offer you a competitive salary, generous annual leave and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Take a look at our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff: https://www.easthants.gov.uk/benefits-working-ehdc
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to better reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Many of our staff also work flexibly in different ways e.g. part‑time, compressed hours and everything in between; please talk to us about the flexibility you need to do this role.
East Hampshire District Council are working in partnership with Carrington West, a leading Town Planning Recruitment agency. For an informal discussion and further details regarding the Role Profile, please contact Cameron de Wit, on 02393 876014 or email cameron.dewit@carringtonwest.com.
The closing date for applications is Monday 8th December 2025 with interviews aimed to be held on the week commencing Monday 15th December 2025.
The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.
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Chief Planning Officer employer: East Hampshire District Council
Contact Detail:
East Hampshire District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Research our organisation's current projects and future ambitions. Understanding our goals will help you align your experience and vision with what we are looking for in a Chief Planning Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of our organisation. They can provide valuable insights into our culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your strategic planning experience. We want to see how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles and how those experiences can benefit us.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in operations and planning within local government. Being knowledgeable about industry developments will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Chief Planning Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the requirements of the Chief Planning Officer role. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your strategic planning abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are passionate about this role and how your vision aligns with the organisation's ambitions. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Hampshire District Council
✨Understand the Organisation's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to research the organisation's goals and aspirations. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their vision will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of their strategic direction.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Chief Planning Officer, you'll need to exhibit strong strategic planning skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully developed and implemented strategic plans, highlighting the outcomes and impact of your decisions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges the organisation might face and how you would approach them. This will show your proactive thinking and readiness to tackle real-world issues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, current projects, and future challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
