At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning to shape Leeds' future and drive sustainable growth.
- Company: Join the Council of one of the UK's fastest-growing cities.
- Benefits: Influential role with a chance to impact community development and climate initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence across multiple disciplines.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban planning and regeneration in a vibrant city.
- Qualifications: Experience in spatial planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious cities. Leeds is one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing cities, with a planning agenda that sits at the heart of its future. From progressing a complex Local Plan through to submission, to shaping major regeneration such as the South Bank, this is a city where planning genuinely matters. Planning plays a central role in delivering the Leeds Ambitions, supporting inclusive growth, climate resilience and the creation of high-quality places for communities.
This is an opportunity to lead a function that is fundamental to how the Council delivers on those ambitions. We are now looking for a Head of Strategic Planning who understands the influence that high-quality plan‑making, strong evidence and clear spatial thinking can have on delivering sustainable growth at scale. This is a rare opportunity to lead a function that brings together policy, plan‑making, environment and design, with real visibility across the organisation and region.
The role
This is a senior, outward‑facing leadership role, but at its core it is about planning expertise and influence. You will lead the progression of the Leeds Local Plan towards submission and examination, shaping how the city delivers sustainable development, housing growth and place‑making at scale. You will oversee a multidisciplinary function covering policy, design, ecology, heritage, climate and environmental planning, ensuring that the right expertise is brought together to support both plan‑making and decision‑making across the city.
Alongside this, you will play a key role in overseeing how the service contributes to wider Council projects and programmes, ensuring that planning insight and specialist expertise are embedded across major initiatives and investment priorities. You will act as a key voice across the Council, working closely with Members, senior officers and partners, and building strong relationships with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and wider stakeholders.
This is not simply about maintaining a statutory function. It is about articulating what good growth looks like in a major UK city and ensuring that vision is translated into delivery. You will also play a key role in strengthening how the service uses data, digital systems and evidence to support more effective planning, consultation and long‑term decision‑making. You will champion exemplary design and conservation, ensuring Leeds is recognised as a leader in high‑quality places and sustainable growth.
Why this role will appeal
This is a role that offers genuine influence. It provides the opportunity to lead a Local Plan at scale in a complex, high‑growth city, while shaping how planning supports regeneration, housing delivery and climate priorities. The breadth of the service brings together policy, design and environmental disciplines, creating a more integrated approach to place‑making than is often found elsewhere. You will be leading a service of around 50 professionals across multiple disciplines, with responsibility for both statutory delivery and longer‑term spatial strategy. The role also offers a visible platform across the Council and region, with the ability to influence beyond the planning service and contribute to wider strategic priorities.
About you
You will bring a strong background in spatial planning, plan‑making or strategic policy, alongside a deep understanding of the planning system, development market and wider policy environment. You are likely to have experience of leading or significantly contributing to a Local Plan or equivalent statutory framework and will be comfortable operating in a political and high‑profile environment. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative in your approach, with the credibility to influence and support across services and with external partners.
Why Leeds
Planning in Leeds is visible, complex and high impact. With ambitious plans around inclusive growth, climate resilience and city centre expansion, this is a role where your work will shape the future of a major UK city.
Head of Strategic Planning employer: TILE HILL
Join a forward-thinking Council in Leeds, where your expertise as Head of Strategic Planning will directly influence the city's ambitious growth and sustainability goals. With a collaborative work culture that values innovation and inclusivity, you'll lead a diverse team dedicated to creating high-quality places for communities. This role not only offers significant professional development opportunities but also allows you to make a tangible impact on the future of one of the UK's fastest-growing cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend events, join local groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for Leeds! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the city’s growth and development. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to its ambitious plans.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in urban planning and Leeds’ specific challenges. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainable growth and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in Leeds’ planning landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Strategic Planning role. Highlight your experience in spatial planning and how it aligns with Leeds' ambitious growth plans.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This is a senior role, so don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in complex environments, to demonstrate your ability to influence and drive change.
Emphasise Collaboration:Collaboration is key in this role. Make sure to mention any experience you have working with various stakeholders, including council members and external partners, to show that you can build strong relationships and work effectively across different teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and allows us to connect with you more easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at TILE HILL
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of spatial planning and the local planning system. Familiarise yourself with Leeds' Local Plan and recent developments in the city. Being able to discuss specific examples will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Strategic Planning, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or projects in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role is about more than just planning; it's about shaping the future of Leeds. Be ready to discuss how planning intersects with climate resilience, housing growth, and community development. Show that you can think strategically and understand the broader implications of planning decisions.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Council's vision for Leeds and how the planning function fits into that. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
