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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning initiatives and manage the Planning Service team.
- Company: Join West Lancashire Borough Council, dedicated to sustainable growth and community development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and personal development support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a vibrant community while growing your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in strategic planning and a degree in Town Planning or related field preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to innovation and excellence in service delivery.
The predicted salary is between 46731 - 48710 £ per year.
Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning)
Designated Workplace: 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF
Designated Workstyle: Flexible Office Based Worker
Salary: £46,731 to £48,710 per annum
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 09 March 2025
Are you an experienced and visionary planning professional ready to lead strategic initiatives that will shape the future of a vibrant community? West Lancashire Borough Council is seeking a dynamic Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning) to join our Planning Services team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of our new Local Plan and to play a key role in our strategic planning efforts.
Why Us?
Our Planning Service is making significant strides, driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Following a series of well-deserved promotions and a renewed focus on investing in our team\’s development, we are proud to say that our service is stronger and more capable than ever.
As we continue to enhance our skill set and expand our professional team, we are eager to build on this progress by securing the services of more excellent, hard-working, and committed professionals. Together, we remain dedicated to delivering outstanding service to the community, ensuring that West Lancashire remains a place where sustainable growth and heritage preservation go hand in hand—and we are hiring!
Your Role!
- Lead and Manage: Support the Strategic Planning Manager in managing the Planning Service, including overseeing and mentoring the Strategic Planning team.
- Develop Key Policies: Play a crucial role in creating and implementing the new Local Plan and other planning policy documents.
- Oversee Evidence Gathering: Manage the collection and analysis of evidence for the Local Plan, including overseeing consultant engagements.
- Environmental Strategies: Lead the development of environmental planning strategies that align with the Local Plan and Council policies.
- Enhance Processes: Review and improve planning processes to ensure adherence to best practices.
- Collaborate Effectively: Work with other services and stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic planning projects.
- Engage with the Community: Lead public consultations and community engagement efforts, integrating stakeholder feedback into planning processes.
- Provide Expert Advice: Offer specialised planning advice to the Development Control team on complex strategic issues.
- Represent the Council: Prepare and present the Council’s case at planning appeals and inquiries.
Why West Lancashire?
- Impactful Work: Be at the heart of strategic planning efforts that will shape the future of West Lancashire.
- Professional Growth: Benefit from opportunities for career development and training.
- Collaborative Environment: Join a team committed to innovation and excellence in service delivery.
- Community Focus: Contribute to creating a sustainable and thriving community.
About You.
- Experience: Extensive experience in strategic planning with a proven track record in policy development and implementation.
- Education: A degree in Town Planning or a related field, and membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is desirable.
- Skills: Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and project management skills, with excellent communication abilities.
- Passion: A commitment to sustainable development and effective community engagement.
What\’s in it for you?
We pride ourselves on our friendliness and being a good employer with a range of benefits and employment terms and conditions to suit you. A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement, flexible working, a generous employer pension contribution scheme, work life balance policies, and support for your personal development are just some of the benefits we offer.
To find out more about West Lancashire Borough Council, please follow the link to access our Recruitment Pack and view the attached Role Profile below.
Ready to make a difference in strategic planning? We want to hear from you! For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact Tom McGowan for Strategic Planning roles at 01695 585423.
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Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning) employer: West Lancashire Borough Council
Contact Detail:
West Lancashire Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the current Local Plan and any recent planning policies in West Lancashire. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of strategic planning, especially those who have experience with local councils. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would mentor a team. Highlighting your experience in managing projects and teams will be crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to sustainable development by discussing relevant projects or initiatives you've been involved in. This will align well with the council's focus on community engagement and environmental strategies.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Strategic Planning)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Planning Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your extensive experience in strategic planning, policy development, and community engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and project management skills.
Showcase Your Passion: Express your commitment to sustainable development and effective community engagement in your application. This aligns with the values of West Lancashire Borough Council and can set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a role in strategic planning.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lancashire Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Be prepared to discuss your vision for strategic planning and how you can contribute to the development of the new Local Plan. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully led similar initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing and mentoring a team, be ready to share examples of your leadership style and how you've effectively guided teams in the past. Emphasize your ability to foster collaboration and innovation.
✨Engage with Community Focus
The position requires community engagement, so think about how you would approach public consultations. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used to integrate stakeholder feedback into planning processes.
✨Prepare for Evidence Gathering Discussions
As overseeing evidence gathering is a key responsibility, familiarize yourself with methods for collecting and analyzing data relevant to strategic planning. Be ready to discuss how you would manage consultant engagements effectively.
