London Plan Manager

Interview date: week commencing 24th March (dates tbc)

About the role

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for developing and 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 team

The London Plan and Strategic Planning team sits at the heart of the Mayor’s strategic policy, at an exciting time of national change. The team works across the GLA and TfL, drawing on the knowledge and experience across the GLA family. This year, we are developing the next London Plan, working towards examination in 2027. We also advise on implementation of the London Plan, planning reform and legislation, strategic planning and Mayoral opinions on general conformity of London’s many local plans.

About the role

Join our management team and help lead London’s strategic planning policy including the Mayor’s London Plan.

You’ll use your extensive planning experience, judgement and knowledge to lead your teams to deliver a programme of guidance, evidence and, of course the London Plan. From leading conversations and engagement with government, stakeholders and communities, to working closely with Deputy Mayors and colleagues across the GLA, Transport for London and other Mayoral bodies, no two days will be alike.

You’ll be one of two managers, motivating and supporting your talented and hard-working teams. As an emotionally intelligent leader, you’ll provide constructive feedback and develop their skills and capabilities, ensuring they’re able to perform at their best, delivering the teams’ priorities.

We need someone who thrives in complex and challenging professional environments; a skilled communicator and wordsmith, able to quickly get to the heart of a problem; and a decisive and pragmatic leader. You’ll have a successful track record of both policy development and statutory planning management, including management experience of examination or inquiry.

You’ll be a natural collaborator, with a strong understanding of inclusion and a passion for promoting equality and diversity in all you do.

What your day will look like

• Leading on preparation of the new London Plan
• Developing and establishing processes and project management for plan-making
• Leading and advising on national planning reform
• Supporting your teams as an experienced planner and leader
• Representing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at examinations, committees, meetings and events
• Problem solving and collaborating across strategic planning matters

Skills, knowledge and experience

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

• Possession of a degree in planning or a related discipline, or post-graduate qualification with eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) and post qualification senior level experience in planning, or a related team or department.
• A high level of expertise in, and authoritative understanding of the spectrum of national, regional and London strategic spatial planning issues, legal processes and policy trends and a sound knowledge of local planning issues and processes and experience in the development of complex and high profile statutory frameworks and plan-making.
• Experience of working at a high level in a complex political environment and ability to command confidence. A good track record of giving high level professional advice on complex and/or sensitive issues and ability to communicate effectively through clear and persuasive oral, written and personal presentations to a range of different audiences.
• Strong leadership and relationship skills, including demonstrable experience of managing and motivating teams and promoting a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Demonstrable ability to lead and manage the preparation of materials and evidence for Examinations in Public / inquiries and to lead staff through complex processes and in high pressure environments.
• Awareness and understanding of challenges and complexities around policy implementation and evidence of strong creative, problem-solving skills.

Managing and developing performance

… is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect
• Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities
• Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities
• Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance
• Promotes a positive team culture that respects diversity and deals with barriers to inclusion

Communicating and influencing

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate, and engage with us.

Level 4 indicators of effective performance

• Articulates self with credibility and conviction, encouraging buy-in to corporate position
• Influences the thinking of other organisations, encouraging them to deliver with the GLA
• Ensures that the organisation communicates inclusively with staff and external stakeholders
• Acts as a credible and convincing spokesperson and negotiator for the GLA
• Instils a corporate commitment to accessible communication

Strategic Thinking

…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.

Level 4 indicators of effective performance

• Develops a positive and compelling vision of London’s future potential, demonstrating confidence in the strategic direction of the GLA
• Translates an understanding of the complex and diverse threats and issues facing London and Londoners into positive action
• Proactively involves a diverse range of partners in strategic thinking, incorporating their views into plans and working with them to align strategic priorities
• Sets organisational priorities by identifying where time and investment is needed most
• Generates and leads strategic initiatives that reflect the GLA’s position as a regional authority

Problem solving

… is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.

Level 4 indicators of effective performance

• Seeks multiple perspectives to understand the breadth and depth of complex issues
• Produces strategies to solve organisation-wide problems, considering the practical and political concerns associated with the implementation of solutions
• Enables the GLA to continuously improve and innovate in the long term
• Solves problems jointly with others to stimulate innovation
• Turns ambiguous or difficult situations into opportunities

Building and managing relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 4 indicators of effective performance

• Identifies and engages a diverse range of influential contacts within stakeholder and community groups, and partner organisations
• Builds alliances to establish mutually beneficial working arrangements, openly sharing knowledge and insights
• Actively challenges and addresses ‘silo attitudes’ to encourage effective relationship-building inside and outside the GLA
• Understands the complexities of political dynamics and uses this to manage relationships and resolve conflict effectively
• Identifies clear win-win situations with external partners

How to apply

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

• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Applications submitted without a Personal Statement will not be considered.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 2.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ 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)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring managerLisa Fairmaner would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at .

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is:week commencing 24th March (exact dates tbc)

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.

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.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.

Need a document on this page in an accessible format?

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of a PDF or other document on this page in a more accessible format, please get in touch via our online form and tell us which format you need.

It will also help us if you tell us which assistive technology you use. We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 5 working days.

#J-18808-Ljbffr