Planning Policy Manager Ref: 34-24

Salary: Grade 4, (£54858 - 64429 per annum)
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Place of Work: Dereham (remote-enabled)
Basis: Permanent

Would you like a job where what you do:

• Makes a difference to the communities of Breckland, plan positively for growth whilst balancing the needs of the environment and local people.
• Allows you to contribute to the wellbeing of the built and natural environment to benefit the communities and business within the district.
• Creates opportunities to lead and mentor a team to deliver the primary document to control growth and development within the district.

We are seeking a Planning Policy Manager to manage the planning policy service which is currently responsible for producing an updated Local Plan as well as the delivery of an annual programme of planning policy work and overseeing the successful delivery of a wide range of projects.

Planning and Development: We regulate the use of land in the public interest and provide a framework for the delivery of sustainable homes and jobs for Breckland residents in the long term.

You will:

• Deliver effective management for the day-to-day operation of a team of planning professionals
• Project manage, prepare and review the Statutory Local Plan, supplementary planning policy documents and other planning policies having regard to National and Regional Planning policies.
• Manage Planning Examinations in connection with the Local Plan, representing the Council in person as an expert witness at these, co-ordinating other legal work, liaising with property owners, developers, stakeholders, partnership bodies and interested parties
• Act as lead officer for the Local Plan in terms of Member and Parish engagement.
• Provide support and advice to the development management team, on strategically important planning applications, enforcement and appeals;
• Ensure support is provided for the production of Neighbourhood Plans throughout the production process including new designations for neighbourhood areas.
• Ensure compliance to all policies, procedures, standard operating practices, with recommendations for action and continuous improvement.
• Assist the Director in the effective management of budgets and resources including the disbursement of the Local Plan budget.

About you:

Collaborative

• You look for opportunities to coach, support and mentor people both inside and outside of your own team or discipline.
• You encourage individuals and teams to work, learn and deliver together, making sure people feel trusted, valued, informed and supported.

Ambitious

• You are motivational and drive positivity, taking an optimistic approach: engaging others and giving individuals the space and freedom to be creative
• You actively encourage innovation. If things go wrong, you see that as an opportunity to learn and develop. You act as a role model, leading by example: motivating, influencing and inspiring others.

Results-driven

• Your team are clear on what they need to achieve. You recognise good performance and take the time to thank, praise and celebrate achievements.
• You look for opportunities to develop people and nurture future talent. You delegate work effectively and thoughtfully, giving everyone a chance to shine.

Empowering

• You make sure individuals have control and a sense of purpose about their work. Work should make people feel good. You stamp out any instances of blame - individuals are accountable, but we do not look for a person to blame.
• You empower everyone to work in the most effective way, trusting in their ability to deliver, and encourage individuals to have the confidence to challenge in a safe space.

Supportive

• You help create an environment where individuals feel comfortable to be themselves and where they feel heard, included and valued.
• You promote and regularly check on individual's mental health and wellbeing. When individuals are finding things hard, you give them chance to talk and give them the help and support they need.

OK, I'm interested...but is it really the job for me?

As our Planning Policy Manager, you will have:

• Experience of working in planning in a public or private sector environment;
• Management of, or substantial demonstrable involvement in, the delivery of a Local Plan
• Management or supervisory experience within a planning policy environment
• Knowledge of current planning legislation, regulations and guidance relevant to planning policy
• Proven experience of working effectively in a team and working to common goals
• The ability to consider a wide range of complex issues and balance those issues to make a clear and reasoned judgement
• The ability to use your own initiative to solve challenges working as part of a team and under

Closing date: 9am Monday 5th August