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- Tasks: Lead and modernise planning services, guiding teams through complex decisions.
- Company: Dynamic councils in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence at high levels and make a real impact on communities.
- Why this job: Shape a modern planning service and drive cultural change in a pivotal role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in planning, strong communication skills, and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Join us for a transformational year ahead with significant housing and infrastructure growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are entering a defining moment. With a major new planning system launching and our shared service ready for fresh leadership, we are looking for a Head of Planning who can guide us into a new era of modern, confident and high-performing planning.
The Organisation’s Leading Planning Expert
In this role, you will be the councils’ number-one planning professional, the person our members, senior leaders and partners look to for clarity, interpretation, and advice. You will set the tone, shape the culture, and provide the strategic and statutory leadership needed to navigate complex decisions in one of the country’s most high-profile planning landscapes.
A Service Ready for the Future
You will take on a strong foundation: award-winning innovative work, high performance in development management, and capable managers who are ready to grow. But this is a moment that calls for a leader who can unite teams, modernise ways of working, and ensure the service meets the government’s, and the councils’, challenging ambitions.
A Transformational Year Ahead
With a state-of-the-art planning system going live, you will use this as a platform for cultural change, improving transparency, strengthening governance, and elevating the customer experience. You will build confidence among members, improve communication with town and parish councils, and reinforce a more proactive approach to enforcement. And you will prepare the service for the opportunities and challenges ahead, including the implications of future local government reform.
A Landscape of Scale and Ambition
This is a region with nationally significant housing and infrastructure growth, sensitive landscapes, flagship employment sites, enterprise zones and strong environmental commitments. You will help the organisation navigate political ambition, community and partner expectation and statutory planning requirements, grounding decisions in policy, law and evidence while supporting members to make informed, confident choices.
A Leader Who Inspires Confidence
We’re looking for someone who brings authority with integrity, emotional intelligence without hesitation, and resilience without rigidity. Someone who can connect services, build trust, and lead through complexity with clarity and purpose.
How to apply
If you’re ready to shape a modern planning service, influence at the highest level, and make a genuine impact on the places and communities we serve, this is the moment to join us.
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact our executive search partners GatenbySanderson: Kembi Coakelin and Del Coutinho.
Closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026
Head of Planning in England employer: South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse Councils
Contact Detail:
South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, attend industry events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils' recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just a candidate but someone who understands the landscape and is ready to lead with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for modernising the planning service and how you can inspire teams. We want to hear how you’ll elevate the customer experience and navigate complex decisions.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise: Make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge in planning. We want to see how you've navigated complex decisions and led teams in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to guide others and make informed choices.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who brings authority with integrity, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you. Authenticity can really set you apart from the crowd!
Connect the Dots: When writing your application, make sure to connect your experiences to the role. Show us how your background aligns with our goals of modernising planning services and improving community engagement. This will help us see you as a perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team and ready to take that next step!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse Councils
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss recent changes and how they impact the councils will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex projects or changes. Highlight your ability to unite teams and modernise processes, as this is crucial for the Head of Planning role.
✨Understand the Local Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. Being able to discuss local issues and how you would address them will demonstrate your commitment to the community.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your vision for the planning service clearly and confidently. Remember, you’ll need to inspire trust and confidence among members and stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key.
