About Us
Cherwell District Council, in North Oxfordshire, is an ambitious and forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering high quality planning services that support sustainable growth, protect our environment and shape sustainable, well-designed and vibrant places for our residents, communities, and businesses. With significant growth pressures and exciting regeneration opportunities, we are driving forward a proactive and positive planning agenda that places quality, environmental stewardship, and community outcomes at its heart.
To support this, we are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Planning Policy professional to lead our Planning Policy Team.
About the Role
As Planning Policy Team Leader, you will:
- Lead, manage and motivate the Planning Policy team to deliver high‑quality outputs across the service.
- Oversee the preparation, development, and monitoring of the Local Plan, which is currently at examination, and supporting policy documents.
- Ensure planning policies are informed by robust evidence, national guidance, and local priorities.
- Coordinate consultation processes and ensure effective engagement with communities, Members, stakeholders and partners.
- Provide expert advice on planning policy matters to senior officers, elected Members, and external organisations.
- Manage complex projects, including commissioning and interpreting technical studies.
- Represent the Council at examinations, hearings, and public meetings.
- Contribute to service improvement, workload planning, and staff development.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience in planning policy, ideally within local government.
- Holds a relevant degree and has RTPI membership.
- Has strong leadership skills and experience managing or supervising staff.
- Is an excellent communicator with the ability to explain technical matters clearly.
- Has strong analytical, organisational and project‑management abilities.
- Brings political awareness, problem‑solving skills, and a commitment to high‑quality place‑making.
- Works proactively, collaboratively, and with professional confidence.
Closing date: 5 May 2026.
