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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning initiatives to shape sustainable growth in North Norfolk's communities.
- Company: Join North Norfolk District Council, dedicated to preserving our stunning coastal environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 29 days holiday, and a supportive culture focused on your development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and community wellbeing in a beautiful coastal area.
- Qualifications: Qualified planning professional with leadership experience and a collaborative mindset.
- Other info: This is a politically restricted post; applications close early if suitable candidates are found.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About The Role
Shape the future of one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal regions.
North Norfolk District Council is setting an ambitious course for the future. With a new Local Plan on the horizon, we are committed to delivering sustainable growth—providing new homes, supporting thriving communities, and protecting our unique natural environment and dynamic coastline.
We are now seeking an exceptionalAssistant Director for Planning to lead this journey.
As Assistant Director for Planning, you will provide strategic and people-focused leadership to a high-performing, customer-centric Planning Service. You will drive innovation and operational excellence, ensuring the service meets the evolving needs of our communities.
Working closely with colleagues, elected members, and external partners, you will play a key role in shaping inclusive, prosperous, and resilient communities by:
- Tackling the challenges of climate change
- Enabling the delivery of affordable, well-designed housing
- Supporting the needs of a growing and ageing population
- Preserving the unique character of North Norfolk—one of the UK’s top rural and coastal destinations
About You
You are a qualified and experienced planning professional with a strong track record of leadership and service transformation. Politically astute and an excellent communicator, you bring energy, vision, and a collaborative approach to everything you do.
Whether you\’re an experienced senior leader or ready to take the next step in your career, we want to hear from you.
In return, we offer a supportive and forward-thinking working environment, with a strong focus on your personal and professional development.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Steve Hems, Director for Service Delivery via
Please be aware this is a politically restricted post.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 3 August2025, please note we reserve the right to close applications early if we have received a sufficient number of suitable applications.
Interview date: to be confirmed
About Us
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 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)
- 29 days\’ holiday per year, plus bank holidays, increasing to 34 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.
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Assistant Director for Planning employer: North Norfolk District Council
Contact Detail:
North Norfolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director for Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with North Norfolk's Local Plan and its key objectives. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities in the region will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience in local government. Engaging with current or former employees of North Norfolk District Council can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it has driven service transformation in your previous roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams through change, particularly in areas related to sustainability and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and policies in planning, especially those related to climate change and affordable housing. Being knowledgeable about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to contribute to the council's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director for Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements for the Assistant Director for Planning position. Highlight how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like sustainable growth and community engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in planning and leadership. Emphasise your achievements in service transformation and your ability to tackle challenges such as climate change and housing needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for planning and your vision for the role. Address how you can contribute to North Norfolk's ambitions and mention specific examples of your past successes in similar positions.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and collaboration, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including elected members and external partners.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Norfolk District Council
✨Understand the Local Plan
Familiarise yourself with North Norfolk's upcoming Local Plan and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for sustainable growth and community development.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully transformed services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to lead a high-performing team in a customer-centric environment.
✨Discuss Climate Change Initiatives
Given the council's focus on climate change, be ready to talk about your understanding of environmental issues and any relevant initiatives you've been involved in. Show your commitment to sustainability and how you can contribute to their Net Zero strategy.
✨Prepare for Political Awareness
As this is a politically restricted post, it's crucial to demonstrate your political astuteness. Be prepared to discuss how you would navigate the complexities of local governance while maintaining effective communication with elected members and stakeholders.
