At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of Gloucestershire through innovative planning and project management.
- Company: Join Gloucestershire County Council, committed to sustainable growth and community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on communities while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Strong project management skills and a passion for sustainable development.
- Other info: Collaborate across seven local authorities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 35700 - 40100 ÂŁ per year.
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
Job Location: Shire Hall, Block 5, 5th Floor
Salary: ÂŁ41,771-ÂŁ47,181 per annum
Hours per Week: 37.00
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration: 2 years - 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
Closing Date: 15/02/2026
This post is not open to job share.
About the Role
Do you want to play a key role in shaping the future of a whole countyâhelping to create new communities, protect cherished places, and support sustainable growth? If youâre motivated by making a lasting difference, this is your opportunity to help make Gloucestershire the best place to live, work, and thrive.
Gloucestershire offers the best of all worlds: the vibrant urban centres of Cheltenham and Gloucester, the stunning landscapes of the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean, and excellent connections to Bristol, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Together, our ambition is clearâto drive sustainable economic growth and ensure our communities have every opportunity to reach their full potential.
In light of Local Government Reorganisation and major planning reforms, Gloucestershireâs seven local authorities are joining forces more closely than ever. This role is at the heart of that exciting partnership, helping shape aligned, future-ready land use strategies across the county.
About You
Weâre looking for a driven, proactive individual with a âcan-doâ approachâsomeone who thrives on collaboration, problem-solving, and delivering meaningful outcomes.
You will bring:
- Strong project management skills and experience
- Excellent interpersonal and partnership-building abilities
- Confidence working within complex local government governance structures
- The ability to navigate political environments with professionalism and tact
- A passion for supporting place-shaping and sustainable development
In this role, youâll work across all seven Gloucestershire authorities, leading the development of key project management productsâfrom highlight reports and project plans to risk and issue registers. Your work will be essential in monitoring progress and ensuring successful delivery of Gloucestershireâs Local and Strategic Plans.
Success will rely on thinking creatively, building trust, and fostering a shared approach to spatial planning. Youâll help deliver a robust suite of statutory development plans that meet Government timelines, unlock growth opportunities, and support a sustainable future for the county.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your project management expertise across multiple organisations, gaining insight into complex land-use planning processes and strengthening your professional network.
About Us
In return for your hard work, we offer:
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave, rising to 30.5 days after 5 yearsâ continuous service
- Option to purchase up to 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Family-friendly policies and benefits
- Career development and qualification pathways
- A supportive, positive working environment with regular supervision
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) membership
- Access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- In-house Occupational Health support
- Employee discount scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&Cs apply)
- Access to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) and the Young Employees Network
How to Apply
If you have the skills, motivation, and ambition to make a positive difference, weâd love to hear from you. Please submit your application and personal statement by selecting the âApply Nowâ button.
If youâd like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ben Watts, Planning, Economy & Growth Manager.
Interviews will take place within two weeks of the advert closing. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone feels they belong and can succeed.
Additional Information
The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months' employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershireâs diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a âcustomer facing roleâ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
Planning Programme Manager, Fixed Term in Gloucester employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Planning Programme Manager, Fixed Term in Gloucester
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Gloucestershire County Council. Attend local events or join online forums to get your name out there and learn about potential opportunities.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that youâre not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Planning Programme Manager. Highlight your project management experience and how you can contribute to sustainable growth in Gloucestershire.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our team and making an impact in the county.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Programme Manager, Fixed Term in Gloucester
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to customise your personal statement for the Planning Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management skills and experience, and show how they align with our mission to support sustainable growth in Gloucestershire.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Weâre all about teamwork here at Gloucestershire County Council. In your application, share examples of how youâve successfully collaborated with others in complex environments. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in our partnership-focused role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, and make sure to address all the key points mentioned in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! Itâs the easiest way to submit your application and ensures it gets to the right place. We canât wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
â¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Gloucestershire's planning policies and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with local government structures and how they impact land use strategies. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
â¨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of your project management experience that highlight your ability to deliver meaningful outcomes. Think about times when you successfully navigated complex governance structures or collaborated with multiple stakeholdersâthese stories will resonate well with the interviewers.
â¨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This role is all about teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've built partnerships in the past. Share instances where youâve fostered trust and collaboration among diverse groups, especially in challenging situations. This will illustrate your proactive approach and 'can-do' attitude.
â¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. Inquire about the council's future projects or how they envision the role evolving over the next couple of years. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your commitment to contributing to Gloucestershire's growth.