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- Tasks: Lead innovative planning initiatives across two councils to improve community wellbeing and sustainability.
- Company: Pioneering federated councils in South Wales focused on collaboration and tackling inequality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impactful work, and a chance to shape public service.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to making a real difference in local communities.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking leadership model that influences regional and national public services.
- Qualifications: Qualified planner with experience in strategic planning and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 85456 - 92027 £ per year.
Across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent in South Wales, our councils are doing something genuinely different. As Wales’ first and only federated councils, we’re pioneering a new leadership model that brings two sovereign unitary authorities together around shared ambition, aligned leadership and collective impact. Both councils are also the first Marmot councils in Wales, embedding a clear commitment to tackling inequality, improving wellbeing and focusing on long‑term outcomes through everything we do.
This is a deliberate, innovative approach to collaboration, designed to unlock scale, capability and influence that neither council could achieve alone. It provides unprecedented scale and mandate for action to work across two distinct boroughs, with refreshing freedom to innovate and the credibility to influence regional and national conversations about how public services evolve.
As the senior professional lead for statutory planning across both councils, you’ll deliver strategic leadership and operational oversight of planning policy, development management, planning enforcement and building control. As well as leading the teams to work to the highest standards, you’ll ensure that spatial planning supports our ambitious regeneration, sustainability and community wellbeing outcomes.
You’ll act as lead subject matter expert to elected members and colleagues, overseeing the Joint Local Development Plan and contributing to shaping regional planning priorities. A qualified planner, you will bring considerable experience in leading planning services or strategic planning programmes, and will have a sound grasp of development management, planning policy, enforcement, and building control.
It’s essential that you have a record of incorporating community empowerment and participatory governance in your career to date, and an understanding of the Marmot framework and its application would be a definite asset. We want to hear from people who want to build something new, operate at scale, and help shape a model of public service collaboration with national relevance.
If that catches your imagination, let’s explore the possibilities together.
Closing date: 20 May 2026.
Joint Chief Planning Officer in Wales employer: Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils
Contact Detail:
Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Joint Chief Planning Officer in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, especially those connected to Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils' recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their innovative approach to planning and community wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams or projects successfully, particularly in areas related to planning policy or community engagement. We want to see how you can drive change!
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Chief Planning Officer in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Joint Chief Planning Officer role. Highlight your experience in planning services and how it aligns with our innovative approach to collaboration.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can lead teams effectively. Use your application to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience and how you've successfully managed planning policies or development management in the past.
Emphasise Community Engagement: Since community empowerment is key to this role, share examples of how you’ve incorporated participatory governance in your previous work. This will show us that you understand the importance of engaging with the community.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape public service collaboration.
How to prepare for a job interview at Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Councils
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the planning policies and frameworks relevant to the role. Brush up on the Marmot framework and how it applies to community wellbeing, as this will show your commitment to tackling inequality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading planning services or strategic programmes. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams or projects, especially those that involved collaboration across different sectors or councils.
✨Engage with Community Empowerment
Be ready to discuss how you've incorporated community empowerment and participatory governance in your previous roles. This is crucial for the position, so share specific instances where you've engaged with communities to shape planning outcomes.
✨Think Big Picture
Demonstrate your ability to think strategically about regeneration and sustainability. Prepare to discuss how you would align spatial planning with the councils' ambitious goals and how you can influence regional and national conversations about public service evolution.