Planning Policy, Infrastructure, and Planning Specialists Manager

Planning Policy, Infrastructure & Planning Specialists (PPIPS) Manager

Salary: £63,251 - £69,728
Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR / Hybrid working
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Planning Policy, Infrastructure & Planning Specialists Manager to provide leadership across a key element of the Council’s Planning service.

Reporting to the Joint Assistant Director – Planning, this is a senior management role with responsibility for leading the Planning Policy, Infrastructure and Planning Specialists (PPIPS) team, including oversight of planning policy, infrastructure delivery, CIL and S106, design, heritage and specialist advice services.

You will act as the lead officer for the preparation of the Council’s new Local Plan, working closely with Development Management colleagues and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure high‑quality, deliverable and compliant planning policy outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the PPIPS team, providing clear direction, leadership and performance management
• Act as the Council’s lead officer for the preparation and delivery of the new Local Plan, including examinations and associated governance
• Oversee the preparation and review of planning policy documents, design codes and supporting evidence
• Coordinate responses to national, regional and neighbouring authority planning consultations
• Oversee statutory monitoring, including the Authority Monitoring Report and associated data
• Lead the preparation and maintenance of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP)
• Ensure effective and efficient collection, management and use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 contributions in line with Council priorities
• Provide or procure specialist planning advice (e.g. design, heritage, infrastructure) to support policy development and decision‑making
• Act as the Council’s lead professional witness at examinations, inquiries and court proceedings where required
• Manage service and project budgets, including the Local Plan programme
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected members, infrastructure providers, partner authorities and communities
• Contribute to business continuity planning and ensure compliance with health and safety responsibilities

About you

You will be a highly experienced planning professional with a strong background in planning policy leadership, infrastructure planning and team management, comfortable operating in a complex and politically sensitive local government environment.

Essential requirements include:

• Degree‑level qualification in planning, geography or a related discipline
• Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the RTPI or a relevant professional body
• Extensive experience in a senior planning policy role
• Detailed knowledge of planning legislation, policy and plan‑making processes
• Strong understanding of CIL and S106 frameworks
• Proven experience of leading, motivating and managing professional teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to members and committees
• Strong political awareness and ability to work effectively with elected members
• Experience of managing complex programmes, budgets and competing priorities

Why join us?

Waverley is an ambitious authority at a pivotal point in shaping its future growth. We offer:

• The opportunity to lead a high‑profile Local Plan programme
• A collaborative senior leadership team
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Support for professional development and CPD
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• The chance to make a long‑term impact on how our communities grow and thrive

Please note:
No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.