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- Tasks: Lead the Planning Service and oversee major projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A leading authority in the West Midlands with a focus on sustainable development.
- Benefits: Remote working, flexible hours, and a vibrant office location near transport and lunch spots.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community planning and mentor future leaders in the field.
- Qualifications: Experience in local authority planning and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
I’m working with an authority in the West Midlands who are looking for a Head of Planning on a 6-month contract. The role offers predominantly remote working, with occasional on-site meetings. They are aiming for someone who can start in the next few weeks. When office attendance is required, the location is just a short walk from a major train station and surrounded by great lunch spots.
Key Duties:
- Lead the Planning Service, overseeing development management, policy, and strategic planning activity.
- Manage and advise on major and complex applications, appeals, and high-profile projects.
- Provide senior planning guidance to leadership and elected members.
- Drive performance, service improvement, and professional standards.
- Mentor and support planning teams, promoting best practice and high-quality outcomes.
- Champion sustainable development and high-quality design across the authority.
- Local authority planning experience.
Desired Skills (Not essential):
- RTPI membership.
- Experience handling major applications and leading multidisciplinary teams.
Working Arrangements: If you’d like to discuss the role, feel free to reach out however is easiest — phone, WhatsApp, email, or by sending across your CV.
Head Of Planning (West Midlands) employer: The Oyster Partnership
Contact Detail:
The Oyster Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Planning (West Midlands)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Planning role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the authority you're applying to and understand their key projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their planning service.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples where you've driven performance or improved service standards. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Planning (West Midlands)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Planning role. Highlight your local authority planning experience and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading teams and providing guidance, be sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or driven performance improvements in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make your key points stand out. This will help us see your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oyster Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local authority planning regulations and recent developments in the West Midlands. Familiarise yourself with the key duties of the role, especially around managing major applications and providing guidance to leadership. This will show that you're not just interested, but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Planning, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven performance or improved service standards. Highlighting your leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific planning challenges or complex applications. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your thought process. This will help you articulate your approach clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the authority's current projects or their vision for sustainable development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!