Strategic Planning Manager

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor's environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

About The Role

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Manage a high performing, dedicated and supportive team in GLA Planning and Regeneration working at the interplay between strategic policy and developments across London.
• Work at the frontline of affordable housing delivery within the planning and development system to contribute to the Mayor's strategic aims and to help address London's housing crisis.
• Manage the Viability Team and work with other relevant areas of the GLA to ensure that affordable housing provision is maximised and provide expert advice to the Mayor to inform his decision making.

What your day will look like

• Provide advice on S106 agreements for referable applications to ensure that affordable housing provision and viability review mechanisms are robustly secured in line with the Mayor's requirements.
• Provide expert development viability advice and training to the Planning Unit, other GLA teams and external organisations to promote best practice in viability testing and maximise affordable housing provision in London.
• Work alongside members of the London Plan to assist in the development of strategic policies as part of a new London Plan.
• Lead the production of viability analysis which will serve as an evidence base document for the new London Plan.
• Assist in the production of briefing notes, the commissioning and management of external consultancy services and in responses and processes of engagement with key stakeholders leading up to and during the Examination in Public of the new London Plan.
• Develop your skills, knowledge and experience in a broad range of policy areas and viability assessments, and your work will assist in the delivery of a new London Plan to deliver sustainable development across London.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of national, regional and London strategic planning and development issues and trends.
• Excellent communication skills and evidence of ability to prepare clear and concise reports, presentations and briefings, including an ability to illustrate ideas through mapping and graphics presentations.
• Technical knowledge in the theory and practice of viability appraisals including relevant planning viability guidance and professional guidance.
• Experience of reviewing Financial Viability Assessments for large-scale strategic planning applications and successfully leading on affordable housing and review mechanisms negotiations in S106 agreements.
• Possession of a degree in surveying or planning and/or a post graduate qualification with eligibility for Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors or Royal Town Planning Institute membership, or equivalent and post qualification experience in planning, viability or S106 negotiations.
• Project management experience and skills focused on the delivery of a Local Plan, development brief, supplementary planning document, development infrastructure assessments, Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks or growth-related Area Action Plans.
• Experience of public consultation, appeal inquiries and examination in public and expertise in supporting presentations and evidence production.
• Experience of either undertaking a detailed review or supporting upon the delivery of an area-wide financial viability assessment.

Behavioural competencies

• Building and Managing Relationships: Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives. Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities. Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict. Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect. Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership.
• Problem Solving: Clarifies ambiguous problems, questioning assumptions to reach a fuller understanding. Actively challenges the status quo to find new ways of doing things, looking for good practice. Seeks and incorporates diverse perspectives to help produce workable strategies to address complex issues. Initiates consultation on opportunities to improve work processes. Supports the organisation to implement innovative suggestions.
• Strategic Thinking: Translates GLA vision and strategy into practical and tangible plans for own team or delivery partners. Consistently takes account of the wider implications of teams actions for the GLA. Encourages self and others to think about organisations long-term potential. Informs strategy development by identifying gaps in current delivery or evidence. Takes account of a wide range of public and partner needs to inform teams work.
• Organisational Awareness: Uses understanding of differences between the GLA and its partners to improve working relationships. Helps others understand the GLA and the complex environment in which it operates. Translates changing political agendas into tangible actions. Considers the diverse needs of Londoners in formulating GLA objectives. Helps others understand how the media and external perceptions of the GLA influence work.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV.
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria and competencies outlined in the advert.
• Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the Additional Documents section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.
• Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (e.g. CV applicant name - 012345).

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager John Finlayson would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at john.finlayson[at]onelondon.gov.uk. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact glaopdcrecruitment[at]tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview/assessment. The interview date is to be confirmed.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office. In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam[at]london.gov.uk.