At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to enhance Scotland's planning system for sustainable growth.
- Company: Scottish Government, committed to vibrant communities and effective planning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape Scotland's future.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and collaboration across sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's planning and investment landscape.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town & Country Planning and RTPI membership required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Scottish Government is recruiting a Deputy Chief Planner to lead and inspire a skilled cohort of planning and policy officials committed to strengthening and streamlining planning in Scotland. In this high‑profile leadership role you will help ensure Scotland's planning system supports sustainable growth, investment, infrastructure delivery and vibrant communities across the country.
Responsibilities
- Act as Deputy Chief Planner and Head of Division, leading delivery of Ministers’ statutory responsibilities for the operation of the planning system.
- Implement and operationalise reforms to Scotland’s planning services to help make Scotland the most attractive part of the UK to invest.
- Oversee statutory planning and consenting decisions, providing high‑quality professional advice to ministers to allow sound and timely decisions that minimise risk of legal challenge.
- Provide strategic and professional support to the Director and Chief Planner and work with built environment professional networks to maximise the impact of planning across portfolios and champion the profession within government.
- Engage strategically with key stakeholder bodies, including the High‑Level Group in Planning, Heads of Planning Scotland and senior members of government, to ensure the planning system and all sectors collaborate effectively to support development delivery and economic growth.
- Work flexibly to respond to queries and priorities as they arise, maintaining a solutions‑focused approach and meeting the pace of the post.
Qualifications
- In‑depth knowledge of the Scottish Planning System, NPF4 and the Planning Acts and their relationship to broader strategies and policies.
- A degree in Town & Country Planning (or equivalent) and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Significant experience as a practising town planner and/or within the planning profession.
- Current membership number for the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI); applications received without an RTPI membership number will be automatically sifted out as this is an essential requirement for the role.
- Demonstrated ability to exhibit the following Civil Service behaviours at Level 5: Leadership, Working Together, Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, and Delivering at Pace.
Deputy Chief Planner in Shrewsbury employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team of planning professionals committed to enhancing Scotland's vibrant communities and sustainable growth. With a strong focus on employee development, collaborative work culture, and the chance to influence significant reforms in the planning system, this role provides meaningful engagement in shaping the future of Scotland. Located in the heart of Scotland, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values innovation and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those seeking impactful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Planner in Shrewsbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, especially those connected to the Scottish Government. Attend events or webinars where you can meet key players and make your presence known.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Scottish Planning System and recent reforms. We want you to be able to discuss how you can contribute to making Scotland an attractive place for investment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've led teams or projects successfully. This will help demonstrate that you can inspire and guide others in this high-profile role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Planner in Shrewsbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of the Scottish Planning System and NPF4. We want to see that you can connect the dots between planning policies and broader strategies, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application:When you’re writing your application, make it personal! Use the job description as your guide and highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed. We love seeing candidates who can clearly demonstrate their fit for the role.
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so be sure to include examples of how you’ve led teams or projects in the past. We want to know how you’ve inspired others and made effective decisions under pressure.
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 and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Scottish Planning System, NPF4, and the Planning Acts. Brush up on how these relate to broader strategies and policies, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in these areas during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Chief Planner, leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you’ve inspired others and made effective decisions that align with strategic goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Think about specific instances where you collaborated with planning bodies or government officials to drive development and economic growth. This will show your ability to work together effectively.
✨Demonstrate a Solutions-Focused Mindset
Prepare to talk about challenges you've faced in your previous roles and how you approached them with a solutions-focused attitude. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to adapt and respond to changing priorities while maintaining a positive outlook.
