At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regional planning and shape the future of the Wessex area.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council, a friendly and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and strong support for staff.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on communities and drive strategic development.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject and experience in planning policy.
The predicted salary is between 73757 - 78488 £ per year.
Salary: £73,757 - £78,488 per annum
Hours per week: 37 hours
Interview date: Monday 10 August 2026 at Salisbury, Bourne Hill
Wiltshire Council is seeking an experienced and collaborative Strategic Planning Manager to lead regional planning across the Wessex area. You will play a central role in delivering a Regional Spatial Development Strategy for the Wessex Partnership (Wiltshire, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Dorset and Somerset Councils). This is a high-profile post working at the heart of place shaping, helping to set the long-term direction for housing, infrastructure, the environment and economic growth across the region.
You will oversee the development of the strategy from evidence gathering through to delivery, ensuring alignment with national policy and local priorities. You will work closely with senior officers, elected Members and strategic partners across the partnership to manage complex cross-boundary issues and build strong, effective relationships.
This role requires a confident leader with significant experience in planning policy, programme management and partnership working. You will be required to provide regular updates to the partnership board, and you will be comfortable operating in a politically sensitive environment with the ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level. You will demonstrate strong analytical skills, a clear strategic mindset and the ability to deliver complex work to demanding timescales.
You will be educated to degree level in a relevant subject and be a member of, or eligible for, the Royal Town Planning Institute. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Wessex region and make a lasting impact on our communities.
Why us? Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location. We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.
Contact details: Nic Thomas, Director of Planning, Economy and Regeneration, at Nic.Thomas@wiltshire.gov.uk. Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply. We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion: Disability Confident Employer.
Application process: Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.
Wessex Strategic Planning Manager in Trowbridge employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where employees are valued and supported. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a hybrid working model, staff can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of the Wessex region. The council promotes a culture of respect and inclusion, ensuring that all team members can thrive in their roles and make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wessex Strategic Planning Manager in Trowbridge
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Wiltshire, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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We think you need these skills to ace Wessex Strategic Planning Manager in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Wiltshire and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Wiltshire, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Wiltshire.
