At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning initiatives and oversee major development projects for sustainable growth.
- Company: Join Malvern Hills District Council, a forward-thinking organisation committed to community development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning, RTPI membership, and experience in complex regeneration schemes.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head of Planning to provide strategic leadership for the Council’s planning delivery functions including Development Management, Planning Enforcement and Planning Support. You will oversee the delivery of complex and high‑profile development projects, coordinating infrastructure provision, securing investment and working with a wide range of partners including landowners, registered providers, Homes England, government agencies and infrastructure providers to enable sustainable growth and regeneration.
Responsibilities
- Operate within a highly complex and politically sensitive environment, providing clear, balanced and commercially aware professional advice to elected members, senior officers and external stakeholders on matters of significant strategic importance.
- Engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, support the delivery of an excellent planning service and develop your career within an award‑winning shared planning service.
- Provide executive leadership for the council’s planning delivery functions.
- Deliver complex regeneration schemes and major developments.
- Attend planning committee meetings and undertake site visits; flexibility, a full driving licence and the use of a car are essential.
- Work across organisational boundaries to remove barriers to delivery, coordinate infrastructure provision and secure investment.
- Develop and maintain effective strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ensure the role is based at either the Council House, Malvern or the Civic Centre, Pershore, with regular attendance at both offices.
Qualifications
- Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of planning law and practice.
- Degree level education with a recognised qualification in town planning, and full RTPI membership.
- Experience delivering complex regeneration schemes and major developments.
- Understanding and application of relevant case law, with the ability to balance commercial, planning, legal and political considerations.
- Leadership and management experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Good computer literacy: MS Office, property databases and GIS systems.
- Appreciation of good design, and ability to negotiate planning obligations within tight deadlines.
- Outstanding customer care and a commitment to supporting performance improvement.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional leave.
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Committed training programme and development opportunities.
- On‑site nursery with a 20% staff discount (Pershore office).
- Discounted gym and swim membership.
- Health and wellbeing support and a free employee assistance scheme including access to counselling services.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Employee discounts with partner companies.
Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.
Head of Planning in England employer: Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
Malvern Hills District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in planning can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth through comprehensive training programmes and generous benefits, including a robust pension scheme and health support, you will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to sustainable development and regeneration in a picturesque location. The council's focus on work-life balance, alongside unique perks like an on-site nursery and discounted gym memberships, makes it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning in England
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
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