At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning delivery for ambitious growth and regeneration projects in the West Midlands.
- Company: Join Malvern Hills District Council, shaping sustainable communities and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong leadership and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development and urban regeneration.
- Qualifications: Degree in town planning, RTPI Membership, and experience in complex developments.
The predicted salary is between 78532 - 78532 £ per year.
Permanent – 37 hours per week
£70,696 - £78,532 per annum (Pay award pending)
Wychavon and Malvern Hills have an ambitious growth strategy, supported by the recently adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR). The Plan sets out a significant programme of growth, delivering over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land across the area over the next 15 years. This includes the delivery of a major new community at Wychavon Town (approximately 10,000 homes). Alongside this planned growth, the Councils are also progressing ambitious regeneration programmes for our town centres including Evesham and Droitwich Spa.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of some of the fastest growing districts in the West Midlands and helping to deliver sustainable communities supported by new infrastructure, employment opportunities and high‑quality places.
We are looking for a Head of Planning to provide strategic leadership for the Council’s planning delivery functions including Development Management, Planning Enforcement and Planning Support, ensuring the effective coordination and integration of these services with wider planning, regeneration, infrastructure and growth activities. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will oversee the delivery of complex and high‑profile development projects, working across organisational boundaries to remove barriers to delivery, coordinate infrastructure provision and secure investment.
This will include working with development partners, landowners, registered providers, Homes England, government agencies and infrastructure providers to bring forward sustainable growth and regeneration opportunities. Operating within a highly complex and politically sensitive environment, the postholder will provide clear, balanced and commercially aware professional advice to elected Members, senior officers and external stakeholders on matters of significant strategic importance, often involving competing priorities, substantial financial implications, high levels of public interest and reputational risk.
Strong communication skills and the ability to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders are essential, alongside a commitment to delivering an excellent and responsive planning service. Experience with developing and maintaining effective strategic partnerships, leadership and management experience, and strong computer literacy, including MS Office, property databases and GIS systems are essential.
About You
- Comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of planning law and practice
- Degree level education, with a recognised qualification in town planning, and full RTPI Membership
- Experience of delivering complex regeneration schemes and major developments
- Understanding of case law and ability to balance commercial, planning, legal and political considerations when formulating recommendations
- Ability to develop and maintain effective strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
- Leadership and management experience, with the ability to inspire and motivate others
- Good computer literacy and proficiency with MS Office, property databases and GIS systems
- Appreciation of good design and ability to negotiate planning obligations within tight deadlines
- Outstanding customer care and a commitment to supporting performance improvement
What We Can Offer
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
- Committed training programme and development opportunities
- Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office)
- Discounted gym and swim membership
- Health and wellbeing support and a free employee assistance scheme including access to counselling services
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discounts with a range of companies, including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme
Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the right to work in the UK. Contact Ian Macleod, Director of Planning and Infrastructure, on 07823 535035 for further information about the role.
Head of Planning in Malvern employer: WMJobs
Wychavon and Malvern Hills District Councils offer an exceptional work environment for the Head of Planning role, characterised by a commitment to ambitious growth and sustainable community development. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a dedicated training programme that fosters professional growth. The councils prioritise employee wellbeing with health support services and discounts, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment in a dynamic and supportive setting.
