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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Planning Service, ensuring effective delivery and coordination.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, a supportive team in a beautiful, developing area.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and hybrid options for a great work/life balance.
- Why this job: This role offers career growth in a friendly environment with a focus on quality and improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning or equivalent, with RTPI chartered membership required.
- Other info: Level 1 Disclosure Clearance needed; applications must be submitted online.
Hourly rate of pay: £17.04 - £18.45
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible. To start 1st August 2025.
A rare opportunity has arisen to manage and lead our high performing Planning Service.
You will need to have:
- Outstanding organisational and communication skills
- Significant experience of working in the planning system at a senior level
- An ability to work at a strategic level with senior colleagues from a wide range of partner organisations
- Sound knowledge of relevant key legislation and national guidance
- Enthusiasm and commitment to high quality work and continuous service improvement
East Lothian is a beautiful and varied landscape stretching from the coastline to the north across the agricultural plain to the Lammermuir Hills to the south. It is also an area undergoing significant development.
Based within the heart of the area at Haddington, the role offers the potential for great work/life balance, with the flexibility of hybrid working. A great place to further develop your career and take on senior management responsibility within a supportive and friendly environment.
Applications for homeworking or hybrid working will be considered for this post, subject to a trial period and in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. All applicants must live in the UK and will be expected to attend Council offices from time to time as required.
To ensure the co-ordinated management and delivery of the Planning service.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements:
- Relevant Qualifications: Degree in town planning or equivalent discipline recognised by RTPI
- Chartered membership of the RTPI
- Relevant post-graduate qualifications
- Continuing Professional Development evidence
This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.
Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk
Please note: We do not accept CVs (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form.
Service Manager - Planning - EAL11355 employer: East Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
East Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Planning - EAL11355
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the 'East Lothian Way' values and behaviours. Understanding these will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing how you embody these principles in your work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience with East Lothian Council. They can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic experience in planning at a senior level. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with partner organisations, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage and lead effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent developments in East Lothian and relevant legislation in planning. Being knowledgeable about current issues will show your commitment to continuous service improvement and your readiness to tackle challenges in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Planning - EAL11355
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description and person specification for the Service Manager position. Make sure you understand the essential criteria and responsibilities outlined, as these will guide your application.
Tailor Your Application: When filling out the online application form, tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience in planning and management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your organisational and communication skills, as well as your strategic thinking.
Refer to the 'East Lothian Way': Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council, known as the 'East Lothian Way'. Be prepared to incorporate these into your application and discuss them during the interview.
Complete the Online Application Form: Ensure you fully complete the online application form on MyJobScotland. Remember, CVs are not accepted, so focus on providing detailed answers that meet all the essential criteria. Double-check for any errors before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know the Job Description Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and person specification. Familiarise yourself with the essential criteria and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with each requirement.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, particularly in planning or related fields.
✨Understand the 'East Lothian Way'
Research the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. Be prepared to answer questions that reflect these values during your interview, demonstrating how you embody them in your work.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since the role involves working at a strategic level, think about your experiences collaborating with senior colleagues and partner organisations. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the strategic goals of the Planning Service.
