Head of Strategic Planning

Head of Development Management

Salary: £72,975 - £84,333 per annum - Grade: I

Permanent Contracts (2 posts)

37 Hours per Week

Following a reshaping of the planning service we are now looking for two exceptional and engaging individuals to join us as Head of Strategic Planning and Head of Development Management who can help us achieve our ambitious objectives. 

For both roles we are interested in candidates who demonstrate a high level of drive and ambition and enjoys working with a diverse set of planning challenges.

An opportunity to learn how to bring a Council out of intervention, you will play an integral role in facilitating and guiding the Council on its journey to modernisation and financial sustainability - whilst transforming ways of working with our internal staff, elected members, residents, and leadership.

On the other side of the change, as we leave intervention, expect career defining moments and a sense of pride that the Borough is not only fit for purpose but is ready to lead the way forward.

The roles:

Head of Strategic Planning

We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Strategic Planning. This role is a unique and exciting opportunity to spearhead the development and delivery of strategic policies that balance growth, sustainability, and the needs of our residents. Thurrock is a dynamic, fast-growing borough, offering you the opportunity to tackle exciting challenges and play a key role in shaping its future. Bring your expertise, vision, and passion for strategic planning, and join a team committed to creating a better tomorrow.

For further details about the role and to apply please click on the 'apply button'

Head of Development Management

We are seeking an exceptional and engaging individual to join us as Head of Development Management. We specifically want a candidate who has the drive to take our service forward and demonstrates a high level of ambition. You will need a background in Development Management with a capacity to lead a service through change. The Development Management service works on a range of cases, ranging from nationally significant through the householder proposals. Performance is critical to Thurrock’s planning service and you will be expected to ensure we continue on our improvement journey.

For further details about the role and to apply please click on the 'apply button'

These are fantastic opportunities to be at the heart of shaping the priorities for Thurrock Council. So, if you are ready to join Thurrock Council during this exciting time, then bring your expertise, vision, and passion for strategic planning and for planning and development and join a forward-thinking team who is dedicated to making a difference and committed to creating a better tomorrow. Together, let’s build a Thurrock that works for everyone.

What’s in it for you:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity in an organisation that is committed to delivering better services for its residents, communities, and staff. You benefit from a range of benefits. 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days rising to 30 after 5 years’ service. 
• career average pension scheme 
• relocation packages 
• interest-free loans for green travel such as bikes or public transport season tickets 
• salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers and cycle to work schemes 
• maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave above the statutory minimum 
• employee assistance programme to provide support to employees both at and outside of work 
• flexible working to help balance work and personal life including job sharing, part-time working and home working 
• buying additional annual leave 
• career break scheme for up to 2 years 
• wide range of courses to support employee development 
• discounted rates for national restaurants, retailers, attractions and experience days 
• discounts with local suppliers including cycle, beauty and fashion stores, restaurants, estate agents and driving schools
• 24-hour health advice and support 

We also offer a hybrid working set-up, our office is just a 2-minute walk from the train station with rapid links in and out of Central London. Candidates are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check are not required for these posts. 

If you have any queries or would like to have an informal discussion about the posts, please contact Ashley Baldwin – Chief Planning Officer on Ashley.baldwin@thurrock.gov.uk 

Advert Closing Date: 22nd December 2024

Interview Date: January 2025

To view the Job Profiles and Person Specifications please follow the links below:

Head of Strategic Planning; Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

Head of Development Management: Download Job Profile (PDF Document)