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- Tasks: Lead and transform the Planning Service for sustainable growth and high-quality outcomes.
- Company: West Lancashire Borough Council, committed to community-focused planning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape local communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local places and support thriving communities.
- Qualifications: RTPI-recognised qualification and proven leadership in planning.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and service improvement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
West Lancashire Borough Council is seeking an experienced and driven Planning Services Manager to lead our Planning Service during an exciting period of transformation. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape how places across the Borough evolve - supporting sustainable growth, safeguarding local character, and delivering high-quality outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
As a senior leader within the Planning, Economy & Wellbeing Directorate, you will:
- Lead and manage performance across Development Management, Strategic Planning, Planning Enforcement, Conservation and Heritage, and GIS.
- Provide strong, visible leadership to a skilled and committed team, promoting collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Work constructively with elected members, colleagues, partners and communities to deliver a responsive, transparent and professional Planning Service.
- Champion high-quality placemaking, ensuring development aligns with the Council’s ambitions for thriving places and sustainable communities.
What you will bring:
- A strong track record as a planning professional, with an RTPI-recognised qualification and comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, policy and best practice.
- Proven leadership experience, successfully managing multidisciplinary teams while balancing strategic priorities with effective day-to-day service delivery.
- An organised and proactive approach, with the ability to manage competing demands and maintain high performance standards.
- Experience of handling major planning applications, contributing to Local Plan preparation, and overseeing Section 106 and CIL processes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with elected members, senior leaders, developers and local communities.
- You will understand the political context of local government and bring sound judgement, professionalism and credibility to the role.
- Above all, a commitment to service improvement, high-quality outcomes and fostering a positive, customer-focused culture within the Planning Service.
To find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please visit our dedicated campaign site.
Planning Services Manager in Ormskirk employer: West Lancashire Borough Council
Contact Detail:
West Lancashire Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Services Manager in Ormskirk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the planning sector, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their vision for sustainable growth and high-quality placemaking.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience managing multidisciplinary teams and how you’ve driven performance improvements. We want to see your passion for fostering collaboration and innovation.
✨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, you’ll find all the details about the role and the council’s ambitions right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Services Manager in Ormskirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Planning Services Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership role, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. We want to see your ability to inspire and manage a diverse group of professionals.
Demonstrate Your Planning Expertise: Be specific about your planning qualifications and experiences, especially those related to handling major applications and local plan preparation. This is your chance to shine a light on your RTPI-recognised qualifications!
Keep It Professional and Clear: Ensure your application is well-structured and free of jargon. We appreciate clarity and professionalism, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our Planning Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lancashire Borough Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and best practices. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the Council's ambitions for sustainable growth and high-quality placemaking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you promoted collaboration and innovation within your team, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with the political landscape of West Lancashire. Be prepared to discuss how you would work constructively with elected members and local communities to deliver a responsive and professional Planning Service.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication and negotiation skills. You’ll need to demonstrate confidence in discussing major planning applications and engaging with various stakeholders, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and persuasively.