At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships with local authorities and drive adoption of innovative planning solutions.
- Company: Join a dynamic joint venture focused on transforming the planning and building control landscape.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and a suite of employee benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to employee well-being and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in digital transformation and make a real impact in local government.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government or GovTech, with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
PortalPlanQuest Limited is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Ltd and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. The business delivers the Planning Portal, the home of planning and building regulations information and the national planning and building control application services for England and Wales. Our Vision is to be a successful, energetic and ethical company that values its employees, respects its customers and provides a first-class service to the built environment industry.
Due to a period of sustained growth and supporting the launch of new products and services, we are looking to recruit two Strategic Account Managers to join our Planning Portal Team. The Strategic Account Manager will be responsible for managing and deepening Planning Portal's relationships with approximately 60 local authorities across England. This is not a conventional sales role. It is a senior relationship and change management position that sits at the intersection of local government, digital transformation, and commercial development.
The responsibilities of this role include:
- Managing and developing relationships with a portfolio of approximately 60 Local Authority accounts
- Acting as the primary point of contact for assigned councils, ensuring high levels of engagement and satisfaction
- Protecting and growing Planning Portal market share within assigned accounts
- Driving adoption and usage of Building Control services
- Identifying and closing Planning services from TerraQuest
- Supporting the introduction and adoption of AI-led planning solutions across Local Authorities
- Identifying risks to retention and proactively implementing mitigation strategies
- Capturing and sharing customer insights to inform product development and strategic direction
- Supporting councils in their digital transformation journeys, positioning Planning Portal as a strategic partner
The essential qualities and skills required include:
- 4–10 years' experience in local government, GovTech, or a closely adjacent sector
- Direct experience working within or alongside planning departments (development management, validation, building control) or planning systems teams
- Strong stakeholder management skills — able to build credibility and trust with senior officers and operational teams alike
- Demonstrable ability to lead change or drive adoption of new systems/services within local government settings
- Comfortable operating in a commercially-informed capacity — identifying opportunities, progressing proposals, and managing expectations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident presenting to groups and facilitating workshops
- Self-directed and organised, able to manage a large patch with minimal supervision
- Proficient in CRM systems and comfortable with pipeline reporting
The desirable qualities and skills required include:
- Experience working within or with Local Authorities or the public sector
- Knowledge of planning, building control, or property-related services
- Experience in digital transformation or service improvement programmes
- Exposure to software, SaaS, or digital product environments
Please apply for more information and do not be put off if you do not have all of the experience and skills required. If you have the majority of skills and relevant experience, we would still like to hear from you!
Planning Portal Strategic Account Manager in Bristol employer: TerraQuest
At TerraQuest Solutions Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer, dedicated to the well-being and development of our team. Located in Birmingham, our Agile Working Policy offers true flexibility, allowing you to balance your work and personal life while enjoying competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. With a strong focus on training and development, we provide ample opportunities for growth within a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Portal Strategic Account Manager in Bristol
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like TerraQuest, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like TerraQuest and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Portal Strategic Account Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for TerraQuest and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at TerraQuest
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with TerraQuest, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for TerraQuest.