At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning policy service and shape the future of North Norfolk.
- Company: Join North Norfolk District Council, a top employer in a stunning coastal area.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Supportive culture with opportunities for learning and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and help guide sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified Town and Country Planning professional with RTPI membership.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join North Norfolk District Council. With a recently adopted Local Plan, significant site allocations coming forward, a five-year housing land supply and work commencing on the next Plan under the new plan making system we are expanding our teams and looking for a motivated & ambitious Planning Policy Manager seeking a fresh challenge by working in a unique and special coastal area.
We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking individual to lead our planning policy service and help shape the future of our district. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified, experienced planning professional to play a leading role in reviewing and developing planning policy, working closely with Members, colleagues, communities and external partners.
As Planning Policy Manager, you will provide leadership to the Planning Policy team, ensuring the service remains ambitious, customer focused and high performing. You will lead the Local Plan review process from evidence gathering and policy development through to consultation and examination, helping to guide sustainable growth, infrastructure delivery and investment across the district.
You will be a qualified Town and Country Planning professional and hold full membership of the RTPI. You will bring strong knowledge of planning policy and the Local Plan process with a demonstrable track record within local government. You will be a confident and professional communicator, able to build positive working relationships and present complex information clearly to a wide range of audiences. You will be comfortable making decisions, managing competing priorities and motivating others to deliver excellent results.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, resilient and adaptable, with a genuine passion for planning, public service and helping communities thrive. If you are passionate about place-shaping, leading a team in an award winning Department and delivering high quality public services, we would love to hear from you.
Application Information: Applications for part time hours will be considered. Please be aware that this is a politically restricted post. Closing Date: 11.59pm on 22 June 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applicants. Interviews tbc.
About Us: North Norfolk is a fantastic place to live, work and visit. It covers 360 sq miles of coastal and rural environment, with over 100,000 people living in 120 distinct communities. Our district is one of England's top holiday destinations and a place where people positively choose to live. We're committed to promoting equality of opportunity for the people and communities of North Norfolk. We respect and value differences in our district and across our workforce, and we want everyone to feel included and able to play their part in making North Norfolk a great place to live, learn, work and visit.
Our coast and environment are extremely important to us. Recognising that North Norfolk faces a very real threat from climate change, the Council has declared a climate emergency. We have developed a Net Zero strategy to support our ambitions and all staff have a role to play in meeting our carbon reduction targets. We have a supportive culture that enables our people to learn and grow through attending courses, e-learning, and their daily job roles. We provide excellent opportunities for communication through updates from Directors and the Chief Executive. Our onsite recognised union is UNISON. Our Cromer office is clean, modern and light, with onsite lunchtime catering and free onsite parking.
As one of the largest employers in the district, we offer several benefits to all our employees: employee assistance program, discounts portal, salary sacrifice schemes (bikes, home electricals and EV car leasing - available after completion of probation period). You will also enjoy a good work-life balance, with many roles following our hybrid approach to work (if your role supports hybrid working, all we ask is that you have a stable and reliable internet connection), 25 days' holiday per year, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service (assuming the role is full-time), access to an excellent local government pension scheme based on your local authority career average earnings.
We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Planning Policy Manager employer: NNDC
North Norfolk District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful coastal area while leading a dedicated Planning Policy team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a supportive work culture, and a focus on sustainability, staff enjoy a good work-life balance, generous holiday allowances, and access to a local government pension scheme. Join us in shaping the future of our vibrant communities and making a meaningful impact in a district that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Policy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning sector, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and policies. Show us you’re genuinely interested in North Norfolk’s unique challenges and how you can contribute to shaping its future. Tailor your responses to reflect your passion for planning and public service.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Planning Policy Manager, you’ll need to present complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your ability to convey ideas effectively and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the fantastic work we do in North Norfolk.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Policy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning and public service shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to help communities thrive in North Norfolk.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in planning policy and local government. We’re looking for someone who can lead our team effectively, so showcase your leadership skills and any successful projects you've managed.
Be Clear and Concise:Use straightforward language to present your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex information, so keep it simple and to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at NNDC
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the recently adopted Local Plan and any significant site allocations. Familiarise yourself with the key policies and how they impact the community, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and guiding policy development. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated others and ensured high performance in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice presenting complex planning information in a clear and engaging way. You might be asked to explain policies to various audiences, so demonstrating your communication skills will be crucial.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Planning
Share your genuine enthusiasm for place-shaping and public service. Discuss any relevant projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in that reflect your commitment to helping communities thrive and addressing climate change.
