Planning Policy and Place Manager

Overview

In this role you lead planning policy and place-shaping work to support housing growth, economic vitality and sustainable development across North Yorkshire. You will guide the Local Plan and related policy initiatives, manage a multi-location team, and collaborate with diverse partners to deliver the council’s ambitious agenda. You’ll influence decision-makers and stakeholder groups, driving continuous improvement and strategic partnerships. This is a high-impact, policy-led leadership position in a major regional planning context.

Pay / Benefits

• local government pension scheme
• salary sacrifice schemes
• employee discount benefits
• Health Assured – wellbeing support
• learning, development and career advancement opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation, review and implementation of the North Yorkshire Local Plan
• Develop planning policies to enable sustainable growth and place-making
• Manage public consultation, stakeholder engagement and independent examination
• Build and maintain the evidence base underpinning planning decisions
• Collaborate with transport, housing, climate, economic development, education, health and infrastructure teams
• Lead and develop relationships with elected members, government bodies and partner organisations
• Oversee major policy projects from inception to adoption and implementation
• Represent the council at examinations, inquiries, hearings, and partnership meetings as needed
• Prepare and present reports and recommendations to senior officers and elected members
• Drive service improvement and transformation within the Planning Service and wider council
• Manage budgets, resources and commissioned consultancy support
• Build strategic partnerships with local authorities, government agencies and other stakeholders

Key requirements

• Extensive experience leading complex planning policy and plan-making programmes from inception to independent examination
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation, national planning policy and the place-shaping agenda
• Proven ability to manage staff, budgets and resources within a complex organisation
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with ability to influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders
• Solid understanding of local political processes and ability to advise senior leaders and elected members
• Proactive, innovative and collaborative approach to managing competing priorities and driving change
• Degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Town and Country Planning (or RTPI-recognised related discipline) and Chartered Membership of the RTPI

• Leadership and team development
• Strategic thinking and policy advisory
• Excellent communication and negotiation
• Planning policy and plan-making
• Knowledge of planning legislation and national planning policy
• Evidence base development and data-informed decision making

…