At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Local Plan project, manage consultants, and ensure progress on key activities.
- Company: Progressive Local Authority in Essex with a focus on impactful planning.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, fully remote work, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Autonomous role with excellent stakeholder engagement and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape an important Local Plan and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven planning policy experience and RTPI qualification required.
A progressive Local Authority in Essex is seeking an experienced Local Plan Project Manager to support the delivery of its emerging Local Plan. This is a pivotal role within a busy Planning Policy team, offering the opportunity to take ownership of key programme activity and drive progress at a critical stage.
As Local Plan Project Manager, you will act as a dedicated project resource, working with a high degree of autonomy to ensure momentum is maintained across the Local Plan programme. You will play a central role in coordinating activity, managing consultants, and supporting governance processes.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the lead project management resource for the Local Plan
- Managing instructed consultants and monitoring delivery against agreed outputs
- Overseeing the project programme, identifying risks and escalating where milestones are at risk
- Maintaining and updating the risk register
- Supporting the communications programme, ensuring activity is aligned and regularly reviewed
- Preparing Board papers and ensuring actions are accurately recorded and followed up
- Liaising with both internal teams and external stakeholders
- Managing logistics for working groups and key meetings
- Supporting preparations for the next Local Plan consultation, including coordination with administrative support
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Proven planning policy experience within a Local Authority environment
- Strong understanding of the Local Plan process and Planning Policy
- Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
- Excellent stakeholder management and organisational skills
- Experience managing consultants and complex programmes
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- You must have a recognised RTPI qualification.
What you’ll get in return:
- Competitive day rate of 400 to 450 per day OUTSIDE of IR-35
- Fully Remote - potentially attend the office once or twice as needed
- Initial 3-month contract with strong potential for extension through to year-end and beyond
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping an important Local Plan
If you’re interested in this role, click apply now to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Local Plan Manager - Town Planner in Essex employer: Hays
Join a forward-thinking Local Authority in Essex, where you will have the autonomy to lead significant projects within a dynamic Planning Policy team. Enjoy the flexibility of fully remote work, competitive pay, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community through the development of the Local Plan. With a strong emphasis on professional growth and collaboration, this role offers an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a supportive environment.
