Head of Service - Planning in Morden

Head of Service - Planning in Morden

Morden Temporary Home office (partial)
Osborne Richardson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Development Management, Enforcement, and Building Control Teams in a local authority.
  • Company: Local authority in South London with a focus on community development.
  • Benefits: Competitive rate of £700/day, hybrid working, and potential contract extension.
  • Other info: Quick turnaround needed; dynamic role in a political environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in planning services while inspiring your team.
  • Qualifications: MRTPI qualified with strong leadership and technical knowledge of UK planning regulations.

Our client is a local authority based in South London and they require an Interim Head of Service (Planning) for a contract role. As Head of Planning you will lead the Development Management, Enforcement and Building Control Teams.

Our client is looking for a strong leader, who can think creatively, is not afraid of change and who can inspire those around them. You will have proven experience of managing complex budgets and programmes and of working directly with residents, councillors and developers.

We are looking for a well-established candidate who can demonstrate solid experience of working at a Head of Service within Town Planning for a Local Authority. You will need top tier leadership skills alongside your strong technical knowledge of UK planning regulations. Previous Local Authority roles will have given you a good idea of working in a political environment and you will be comfortable dealing with a diverse range of stakeholders. You must be MRTPI qualified and have experience of leading planning services.

The rate offered is £700/day Umbrella and this role is inside IR35. This will initially be a 6 month contract, but it could potentially be extended beyond this. Our client offers hybrid working, you will be expected to be on site 3 days a week. They are looking for a quick turnaround, so get in touch!

Head of Service - Planning in Morden employer: Osborne Richardson

As a local authority in South London, our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on leadership development and a supportive culture, this role offers the opportunity to lead dynamic teams while engaging with diverse stakeholders. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to vital planning services.

Osborne Richardson

Contact Details:

Osborne Richardson Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Service - Planning in Morden

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning sector, especially those who have worked with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities and even recommendations.

Tip Number 2

Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to interview, share specific examples of how you've inspired teams or managed complex projects. We want to see that you can handle the heat in a political environment.

Tip Number 3

Stay updated on UK planning regulations. Brush up on any recent changes or trends in the industry. This will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you, so don’t miss out on the chance to land that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Service - Planning in Morden

Leadership Skills
Creative Thinking
Change Management
Budget Management
Programme Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Knowledge of UK Planning Regulations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Service role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in planning and local authority settings. We want to see how your skills match what our client is looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your creative thinking and ability to inspire teams. Don’t forget to mention your experience with complex budgets and stakeholder engagement.

Showcase Your Qualifications:Since MRTPI qualification is a must, make sure it’s front and centre in your application. We want to see that you have the technical knowledge of UK planning regulations that our client needs.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Osborne Richardson

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK planning regulations and local authority processes. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you’ve also applied it in real-world situations.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific instances where you inspired change or navigated challenges, especially in a political environment. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Development Management, Enforcement, and Building Control Teams effectively.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since you'll be working with a diverse range of stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with residents, councillors, and developers. Share examples of how you’ve handled differing opinions and reached consensus, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.

Be Ready for Change

The role requires someone who isn’t afraid of change, so think about times when you’ve successfully implemented new strategies or adapted to shifting priorities. Show that you can think creatively and are open to innovative solutions, which is key for a Head of Service in Planning.