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 innovative planning.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, fully remote work, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work independently and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape an important Local Plan and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven planning policy experience and a recognised RTPI qualification.
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 employer: Hays
Join a forward-thinking Local Authority in Essex that values innovation and collaboration, offering a fully remote working environment that promotes work-life balance. As a Local Plan Project Manager, you will have the autonomy to lead significant projects while benefiting from competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team culture. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on local planning but also provides the flexibility to manage your work from anywhere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Plan Manager - Town Planner
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Check out dedicated platforms for public sector freelancing like 'PeoplePerHour' and 'GovFreelance'. These sites often have listings for short-term projects with government agencies, which can be a goldmine for us as freelancers in this space.
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We think you need these skills to ace Local Plan Manager - Town Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Expertise:When you're applying for a freelance role in the government-public sector, it’s essential to highlight your expertise and experience related to public policies or community projects. Make sure your CV outlines relevant projects and showcases your understanding of governmental processes or frameworks.
Tailor Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is key in a freelance application, particularly in this sector. Include case studies or documented work that demonstrate your contributions to past projects. Highlight any experience working on public sector initiatives, as this will show potential clients that you understand their unique challenges.
Use Clear, Concise Language:Government work often requires precise communication. When drafting your application, use clear and straightforward language that demonstrates your ability to convey complex information succinctly. Avoid jargon unless it's standard in the public sector; clarity is our best friend here.
Demonstrate Reliability:In the freelance world, clients value reliability. In your written application, mention any relevant certificates or training that reinforce your professionalism in the public sector. This could include project management certifications or any specific courses related to governmental practices. Let’s make sure they see you as a trustworthy partner!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Showcase Your Public Sector Savvy
In the government and public sector, understanding policies and regulations is key. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your knowledge of public sector frameworks, as this will show that you're not just in it for the money but genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Flex Your Collaboration Skills
Freelancing in this space often means collaborating with various stakeholders, from government officials to community groups. Be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively navigated different interests in previous roles, showcasing your ability to build relationships and produce results.
✨Present Your Portfolio with Purpose
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best friend. Tailor it to highlight relevant projects that align with the role at Hays. Presenting a well-organised portfolio not only shows your skills but also your understanding of the unique needs in the public sector, making you stand out.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to tackle scenario-based questions during the interview, as these are common in the public sector. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in context—think about challenges you've faced and how you've resolved them while keeping public interest at heart.
