At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Planning Policy and Strategy team to develop effective planning strategies.
- Company: Bromley Council, dedicated to creating a fantastic living and working environment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, generous pension scheme, and employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Bromley's planning policies and community development.
- Qualifications: Qualified Planner (MRTPI or equivalent) with experience in local government and stakeholder engagement.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and supporting diverse applicants.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Bromley Council is committed to making Bromley a fantastic place to live and work, where everyone can lead healthy, safe and independent lives. We are London’s largest borough, made up of areas with distinct urban and suburban character, and large areas of Green Belt and open countryside. Our historic environment is a key asset, including 47 conservation areas and over 400 listed buildings. Bromley also plays an important role in the regional economy, particularly the strategic industrial land in the Cray Valley; and Bromley Town Centre, the borough’s most significant retail and leisure location.
Are you familiar with managing the various political, legal and public sensitivities associated with developing and managing planning strategy and policies? Do you have what it takes to apply your professional planning knowledge, expertise and integrity in a political environment? We’re looking for a candidate who can lead and manage a team effectively in line with the Council’s values of Respect, Empower, Ambition and Learn.
This is a full time post managing the Planning Policy and Strategy team at Bromley. The team is based within the Planning section of the Council’s Housing, Planning and Regeneration Department and comprises professional Planners, covering the full range of planning policy topic areas, an Infrastructure Delivery team, an Urban Design and Conservation team, and our Local Land Charges team.
The Council adopted its Local Plan in January 2019 - work on our new draft Local Plan is well underway and you will be leading this critical project through to adoption. The challenges Bromley is facing around housing delivery, green belt and other complex planning policy areas means that you will need to be a strong leader with excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills, experience of working in a political environment, a track record in stakeholder engagement, and the skills, experience and knowledge to successfully manage and support your team.
We are looking for a candidate ready to take a positive approach to helping the Borough actively manage these challenges through strong planning strategy and policies. Full details are set out in the attached job description but candidates will be expected to have broad Planning Policy experience, a proven track record of successfully managing Planning staff within Local Government and be a qualified Planner (MRTPI or equivalent).
We are forces family friendly and are part of the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (Bronze Award). We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners. We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in employment and service delivery and as a disability confident committed employer we encourage applications from people with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we will consider reasonable adjustment to support disability employment.
We offer a generous package including competitive pay, career average pension scheme, flexible working practices and the Bromley employee benefits scheme; Cycle2Work, Salary Sacrifice Lease Car, Technology Scheme, GymFlex and a wide range of local and national discounts.
Please contact Tim Horsman, Assistant Director (Planning) – 020 8461 7716.
Head of Planning Policy and Strategy in London employer: London Borough of Bromley
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Bromley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning Policy and Strategy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bromley Council’s recent projects and challenges. Show us that you’re not just familiar with planning policies but also passionate about making Bromley a better place. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values of Respect, Empower, Ambition, and Learn.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a potential leader in a political environment, being able to navigate discussions and reach agreements is key. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Bromley Council. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you can tackle the challenges they face head-on.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning Policy and Strategy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning policy and strategy. We want to see how your skills align with the specific challenges Bromley is facing, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader of the Planning Policy and Strategy team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire a team. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in politically sensitive environments.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement: Bromley values strong stakeholder engagement, so be sure to include any relevant experiences where you’ve effectively communicated and negotiated with various parties. We’re looking for candidates who can navigate complex relationships with ease!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Bromley
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and strategies relevant to Bromley. Familiarise yourself with the Local Plan adopted in January 2019 and any updates on the new draft. This will show your commitment and understanding of the local context.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, especially in managing teams within a political environment. Think about how you've successfully engaged stakeholders and navigated complex planning issues in the past.
✨Understand the Borough's Challenges
Research the specific challenges Bromley faces, such as housing delivery and green belt management. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these issues strategically and positively, aligning with the Council’s values.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role requires excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills, prepare to discuss situations where you've effectively communicated with diverse groups. Highlight your ability to build relationships and foster collaboration within your team and with external stakeholders.