Planning Policy Manager
Location: North East England
Contract: 6 Months
Opportunity: Lead the next chapter of a Local Plan and help shape a growing team.
Ready to make a real impact on planning policy?
We’re looking for an ambitious and driven Planning Policy Manager to join a forward-thinking local authority in the North East on an initial 6-month contract.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced planning policy professional to take a leading role in driving forward a new Local Plan, helping shape the future of the area, and playing a key part in developing and strengthening the wider planning policy team.
With a major piece of strategic work ahead, this is more than just a role to keep things moving. It’s an opportunity to bring fresh energy, provide leadership, influence direction and help build the foundations for a successful planning policy service.
The Role
You’ll take the lead in progressing the authority’s new Local Plan, providing clear direction, strategic oversight and hands-on support to ensure key milestones are delivered.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, elected members, colleagues across the council and external partners, you’ll help drive the plan forward while supporting the development of a capable, motivated and effective team.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and coordinating the development and progression of the new Local Plan.
- Providing strategic planning policy advice and guidance to senior officers, members and stakeholders.
- Helping build, develop and strengthen the planning policy team, creating the right structure, momentum and direction.
- Managing priorities, programme delivery and key Local Plan milestones.
- Driving collaboration across departments and engaging effectively with external partners and stakeholders.
- Supporting evidence-based plan-making, policy development and preparation for the next stages of the plan-making process.
- Bringing fresh ideas, strong leadership and a proactive approach to delivering positive outcomes for the authority and its communities.
About You
We’re keen to speak with experienced planning policy professionals who are ready to step up, take ownership and make a difference from day one.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Strong experience in local authority planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
- The confidence and ability to lead complex planning policy projects and programmes.
- Experience of managing, mentoring or developing teams, or the ability to help build a team and establish effective ways of working.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach and the ability to deliver in a fast-moving environment.
- A genuine passion for shaping places, influencing growth and delivering high-quality planning outcomes.
Why This Opportunity?
This is an exciting chance to join an authority at a pivotal stage in its plan-making journey. You’ll have the opportunity to make an immediate impact, help shape the direction of a new Local Plan and play a meaningful role in building a team with the skills and momentum to deliver.
If you’re a Planning Policy Manager looking for a challenging, rewarding interim opportunity where you can lead, influence and leave a lasting mark, we’d love to hear from you.
[email protected]
0161 470 5506
