Team Leader Local Plans - Interims

Interim Local Plans Manager

Location: Leicestershire Rate: £469.96 per day (Umbrella) Contract: Interim / Contract

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Local Plans Manager to join a Local Authority in Leicestershire. This is an exciting opportunity for a planning professional to lead the preparation, delivery and review of the Council's statutory Local Development Framework, helping shape sustainable growth and development across the Borough.

You will play a key leadership role within the Planning and Regeneration Service, managing complex planning policy matters, providing strategic advice and ensuring the effective implementation of planning policies in line with national legislation and local priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the preparation, implementation and review of the Council's Local Development Framework and associated planning policies.

• Manage and support the Local Plans team, providing leadership, supervision and professional guidance.

• Oversee major, strategic and complex planning policy issues, ensuring delivery against agreed service standards and performance targets.

• Provide expert planning policy advice on planning applications, pre-application enquiries and strategic development proposals.

• Develop and coordinate responses to national planning policy consultations, legislation and guidance, as well as proposals from neighbouring authorities and external agencies.

• Prepare and present reports to Council Committees and Project Boards.

• Represent the Council at public inquiries, Local Plan examinations and other planning hearings, acting as an expert witness where required.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, neighbouring authorities, statutory consultees, Town and Parish Councils and external stakeholders.

• Manage evidence gathering, research, surveys and information systems to support the Local Plan process.

• Commission and manage external consultants supporting the preparation and review of planning policy documents.

• Support the professional development and performance of team members.

About You

We are looking for a knowledgeable and proactive planning professional with substantial experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience working within Local Authority planning policy or strategic planning.

• Strong knowledge of the statutory planning framework and relevant national planning legislation and policy.

• Experience leading or managing the preparation and review of Local Plans and associated evidence bases.

• Proven experience managing staff, projects and complex planning policy assignments.

• Experience presenting reports to senior stakeholders, Council Committees and Project Boards.

• The ability to represent an organisation at public inquiries, planning examinations and hearings.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within challenging deadlines.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planning policy professional to take on a senior leadership role within a Local Authority, helping drive forward the Council's strategic planning agenda and shape the future development of the Borough.

If you have a strong background in Local Plans and strategic planning policy and are available for your next interim opportunity, we would be keen to hear from you!

For more information, contact Shivashni Govender