Group Leader - Planning Policy and Strategy

Do you want to lead the Councils next Local Plan production? We have made good progress over recent years in producing up to date evidence to inform the Plan Making process and are shortly to launch our early engagement consultation under the new plan making system. The Planning Policy and Strategy Group has responsibility for the preparation and review of the Council’s statutory Development Plan and overall strategic land-use planning for the district. The Group also provides appropriate policy guidance for the determination of planning applications which assists the Council and others to make important investment decisions particularly around the Council`s key aims of:-  growing the number of jobs in the district, increasing our business base and providing an appropriate supply of affordable homes. 

As the Planning Policy and Strategy Group Leader, you will have specific responsibility for directing and overall management of 2 teams of planners within the Planning Policy Group that focus on Jobs, Homes and Planning Research.  You will ensure that operationally the teams work efficiently and effectively and that the services provided are of a high quality standard and demonstrate value for money.

You will develop the potential of your staff and promote a good working environment which maximises and values employee contribution in achieving service and council objectives.

You will promote a culture of performance management, continuous improvement and ongoing achievement. Your success will be measured against the operational effectiveness of your group to deliver high quality, cost effective provision to the Service which meet the council’s political and strategic priorities.

You will ensure that budgets assigned are allocated, monitored, managed and controlled effectively and you will be accountable for ensuring the functions undertaken by the group are delivered within budget.

You will plan, monitor, manage and evaluate the work of your teams. To improve effectiveness in operational performance, you will be accountable for monitoring and reviewing service delivery against Council objectives, targets, standards and performance measures. 

To support the Head of Planning and the wider Council, you will contribute to the development, monitoring and review of initiatives, projects and improvement agendas ensuring appropriate links are made in relation to their impact.

To contribute to the achievement of the Service outcomes and maximise opportunities, you will develop and improve the service’s ability to adopt a partnership approach with external agencies so that effective relationships are maintained in localities and through regeneration partnerships.  You will also use any available opportunity to influence key drivers for delivery at ward and locality level.

You will need to ensure that your group complies with constitutional, financial and democratic requirements in relation to decision making and scrutiny and that relationships with elected members are well supported and managed. 

Communication is vital for the effective and efficient work of the Planning Policy and Strategy Group and you will ensure there are information and communication processes, so that all your teams are aware of the Council’s vision and values and any future plans which may impact on how the service is delivered.  Externally you will also actively promote the work of the Council and the Planning and Development Service, with the public and partner agencies.

You will be a member of the Planning and Development Management Team.  As a member of the Management Team you will work with other Senior Managers as appropriate driving forward a programme of continuous improvement in the service and you will positively contribute towards the Council and Service core values and strategies.

BENEFITS

Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community, to help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team. In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work.