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- Tasks: Lead the development of strategic policies for growth and sustainability in Thurrock.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organization focused on community leadership and positive change.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts at local businesses.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a vibrant borough while making a real impact on residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in Local Plans and a passion for strategic planning are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid work setup with office just 2 minutes from the train station.
The predicted salary is between 62980 - 67200 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Description
Head of Strategic Planning
Salary: £72,975 – £84,333 per annum
Grade: I
Permanent Contract
37 Hours per Week
We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Strategic Planning. This role is a unique and exciting opportunity to spearhead the development and delivery of strategic policies that balance growth, sustainability, and the needs of our residents. Thurrock is a dynamic, fast-growing borough, offering you the opportunity to tackle exciting challenges and play a key role in shaping its future. Bring your expertise, vision, and passion for strategic planning, and join a team committed to creating a better tomorrow.
You will ideally have a background in Local Plans and be willing to provide leadership to the service to ensure the Local Plan makes effective progress. We want an individual who demonstrates a high level of drive and ambition and enjoys working with a diverse set of strategic planning matters. An opportunity to learn how to bring a Council out of intervention, you will play an integral role in facilitating and guiding the Council on its journey to modernisation and financial sustainability – whilst transforming ways of working with our internal staff, elected members, residents, and leadership.
The role:
In this pivotal role, you’ll spearhead the development and delivery of strategic policies that balance growth, sustainability, and the needs of our residents. Thurrock is a dynamic, fast-growing borough, offering you the opportunity to tackle exciting challenges and play a key role in shaping its future.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the heart of shaping the priorities for Thurrock Council. So, if you are ready to join Thurrock Council during this exciting time, then bring your expertise, vision, and passion for strategic planning and join a team committed to creating a better tomorrow. Together, let’s build a Thurrock that works for everyone.
What’s in it for you:
- Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years’ service.
- Career average pension scheme.
- Relocation packages.
- Interest-free loans for green travel such as bikes or public transport season tickets.
- Salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes.
- Maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave above the statutory minimum.
- Employee assistance programme to provide support to employees both at and outside of work.
- Flexible working to help balance work and personal life including job sharing, part-time working and home working.
- Buying additional annual leave.
- Career break scheme for up to 2 years.
- Wide range of courses to support employee development.
- Discounted rates for national restaurants, retailers, attractions and experience days.
- Discounts with local suppliers including cycle, beauty and fashion stores, restaurants, estate agents and driving schools.
- 24-hour health advice and support.
We also offer a hybrid working set-up, our office is just a 2-minute walk from the train station with rapid links in and out of Central London. Candidates are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.
If you have any queries regarding the post or would like to have an informal discussion about the post, please contact Ashley Baldwin – Chief Planning Officer on
Advert Closing Date:
- Redeployment Only: 28th November 2024
- Internal & External: 22nd December 2024
Interview Date: January 2025
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
About Us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
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Head of Strategic Planning employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current strategic policies and local plans in Thurrock. Understanding the existing framework will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of strategic planning, especially those who have experience working with local councils. Engaging with them can provide insights into the challenges and opportunities within Thurrock.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for modernizing and financially sustaining local governance. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully led similar initiatives or transformations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for community engagement. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with diverse stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Strategic Planning. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially the emphasis on local plans and strategic policy development.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in strategic planning, leadership, and community engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance growth and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for strategic planning and your vision for Thurrock. Address how your background aligns with the council's goals and how you can contribute to their modernization efforts.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasize your leadership experience and ability to work with diverse stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Show Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for strategic planning in a dynamic environment like Thurrock. Highlight your experience with Local Plans and how you can balance growth and sustainability while addressing the needs of residents.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Emphasize your ability to guide and facilitate change, especially in contexts similar to the Council's journey towards modernization and financial sustainability.
✨Engage with Community Needs
Understand the diverse community of Thurrock and be prepared to discuss how you would engage with residents and stakeholders. Show that you value their input and are committed to creating policies that reflect their needs.
✨Highlight Adaptability and Innovation
Thurrock is evolving rapidly, so it's important to convey your adaptability. Share instances where you've embraced change or introduced innovative solutions in your previous roles, particularly in strategic planning or public service.
