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- Tasks: Lead a team to shape Lancaster’s future through sustainable development and community-focused planning.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to vibrant neighbourhoods and local heritage.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, gym discounts, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while driving positive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Full MRTPI membership and experience in planning and housing policy management required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and flexible working options.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Make a Difference in Lancaster. As Service Manager for Planning Housing Strategy, you will lead the team shaping Lancaster’s future through the delivery of sustainable development, climate action, and community-focused planning. Your work will ensure that planning and housing policies support vibrant neighbourhoods, protect heritage, and enhance local facilities and transport, making a real difference to residents’ lives.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will manage an award-winning multi-disciplinary team delivering the Council’s strategic planning and housing agenda. You will build on these good foundations to provide strategic vision and continuing momentum as we seek to deliver our ambitious placemaking agenda. This includes overseeing strong performance across all planning policy service areas, and working alongside Senior Management and Councillors to deliver excellence in terms of new policy development and strategy implementation.
You’ll Fit Right In If…
You are a full MRTPI member with demonstrable experience in planning and housing policy management. You bring excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills, with a proven track record of managing teams and budgets. You share our values of Working Together, Ambition, Pride, and Ownership, and hold a full UK driving licence.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re passionate about shaping sustainable communities and leading positive change, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Work With Us
- Generous annual leave
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Car purchase scheme
- Lifestyle savings
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Volunteering days
- Wellbeing support
- Flexible working friendly
We welcome discussions about flexible working and will be able to offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and agreed working hours to support work–life balance.
Inclusive employer
We welcome applications from all parts of the community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We guarantee interviews for applicants with a disability and armed forces veterans who meet the essential criteria.
Interview Date: Week Commencing: 2 March 2026
Service Manager - Planning and Housing Strategy employer: Lancaster City Council
Contact Detail:
Lancaster City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Planning and Housing Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning and housing sector, especially those connected to Lancaster. Attend local events or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lancaster’s current planning policies and community needs. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about how you can contribute to our ambitious placemaking agenda.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership and negotiation skills in mock interviews. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your strengths.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our values and culture there.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Planning and Housing Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager for Planning and Housing Strategy. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping Lancaster’s future!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a multi-disciplinary team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership and communication skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past – we love a good success story!
Demonstrate Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for sustainable communities and positive change shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who shares our values and is genuinely excited about making a difference in residents’ lives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can find more info about our culture and benefits there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest planning and housing policies. Brush up on Lancaster’s current strategies and any recent developments in sustainable community planning. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you navigated them. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Align with Our Values
Familiarise yourself with our values: Working Together, Ambition, Pride, and Ownership. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with ours and provide examples of how you’ve embodied these in your previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the future direction of Lancaster’s planning strategy or how the team collaborates with other departments. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the bigger picture.
