Strategic Planning Manager – North Herts Council

Essex County Counci; Letchworth; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Strategic Planning Manager - North Herts Council

North Herts Council

Temporary, Full Time

£65.00 ph (umbrella)

Location: Letchworth Garden City

Closing Date: 28th March 2025

The Opportunity

A rare opportunity has arisen at North Herts Council for a Strategic Planning Manager to join the department on a 6-month temporary basis. Due to the retirement of a senior leadership team member, this role will backfill an internal post and will play an integral part in supporting the Director of Place to achieve the ambitious timetable in our recently approved Local Development Scheme. This role requires a confident individual, who can provide a wealth of knowledge and experience and lead the existing, policy-focused team.

Please note this role is being offered on either a part or full-time basis and requires the individual to be based on site 1-2 days per week, with free parking available.

Key Responsibilities

The overall management and responsibility of the Strategic Planning Service to ensure the delivery of a high quality and cost-effective service in accordance with agreed work programmes, procedures and personal objectives. This includes ensuring the authority adheres to relevant legislation, providing a first-class service and supporting the vision of the authority in terms of planning policy.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Scope and produce the initial, formal consultation on the new Local Plan ('Regulation 18'), including key issues and broad policy directions etc. due to be held in Autumn 2025.
2. Commission and/or supervise formal evidence studies required to support this and the subsequent steps of the Local Plan.
3. Manage key relationships on cross-border planning matters with our eight surrounding local planning authorities and Hertfordshire County Council as well as working with other key stakeholders as required.
4. Report to senior officers and Councillors on progress and securing their input and involvement on key issues; This will include, as required, working with and reporting to the Executive Member for Planning, the Council's internal Planning Project Board, Cabinet and local ward Councillors.
5. Work closely with the Principal Strategic Planning Officer to:
   • Establish appropriate project management measures and processes to support the above.
   • Oversee and provide guidance and advice on a range of supporting duties including neighbourhood plans, monitoring and the providing professional advice to the development management service.
   • Ensure appropriate mentoring, training and management of staff within the team.

The Experience You Will Bring

1. Membership or eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills to gain the confidence and commitment of stakeholders and potential partners.
3. Understanding of budgetary control, financial management and experience of operating these.
4. The ability to work strategically to achieve political aspirations within legislative requirements.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Extensive post qualification planning experience including preparation for and appearance at Public Inquiries.
7. Experience of leading major multi-disciplinary projects.
8. Experience of leading a Local Plan Review.
9. Minimum of 5 years staff and budgetary management experience.

If you want to know more about the responsibilities, benefits, or anything else about this great opportunity, or if you’d like to request a copy of the full job profile, please email [e-mail].