Head of Planning Services
Up to £67,640 per annum
Cirencester

Lead the charge in planning transformation!

Proud, passionate, ambitious – it couldn’t be a more exciting time to work for Cotswold District Council. We’re searching for the very best people to join us!

It’s all change for Cotswold District Council. We’re bringing back inhouse a number of services that were previously outsourced, to help us take the council in an exciting new direction shaped around the needs of our residents, businesses, and communities. We’re busy creating a council that’s proactive and responsive in a fast-changing environment.

We’re looking for people who share our vision and ambition, who are innovative and creative in how we deliver services, have tenacity and a ‘can do’ attitude, and, most importantly, agree with us that silos are only for grain!

The Cotswolds is recognised as a fantastic place to live, visit, and do business. Cirencester was recently voted the best place to live in the South West. We’ve got cutting edge green aviation businesses located at Kemble Airport and internationally recognised food safety business Campden BRI in the north Cotswolds. But we know we can go further.

We seek a new Head of Planning to lead and manage the planning services team in collaboration with our new Assistant Director, Planning Services. Your focus will be on managing a diverse range of development management functions across the council, ensuring continuous improvement and that service transformation is embedded effectively. You’ll also play a crucial role in the delivery of the Cirencester strategic housing allocation, which is a key development project for the district.

As a qualified planning professional, you’ll act as the council’s lead officer at planning committees, provide expert advice and direction to the council and its members, and establish yourself as a trusted authority in the field. You will shape planning policy and influence industry bodies, clients, and colleagues to achieve the council’s strategic business objectives. A broad awareness of public sector issues and the planning industry will be essential for effective management of relationships with officers, members, and stakeholders.

We’re looking for a leader with proven experience in development management, ideally with a strong track record of delivering major development projects, particularly in housing. A ‘can do’ attitude and an ability to respond to the needs of our businesses and residents will be vital. If you’re motivated by the challenge of playing a key role in shaping a sustainable and modern planning service within a vibrant community, and you have a comprehensive understanding of public sector challenges and planning regulations, we want to hear from you.

Click the 'apply button' to apply. For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Helen Anderson (07534 602845) at our recruitment partner, Tile Hill.

Closing date: Midnight on Friday 8th November 2024.

Cotswold District Council is an accredited member of the Disability Confident scheme. As part of this,

we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. If you would like to apply against this scheme, please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email to inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk