• The Planning Team Leader is responsible for delivering complex town planning advice and services, including development management, planning policy formulation, and regeneration projects.

• This role leads teams of professional planners and regeneration officers, providing expert guidance on design matters, overseeing project delivery, and representing the organisation in high-level negotiations.

• The postholder will ensure that planning activities support sustainable development, economic growth, and community well-being, while maintaining compliance with legislative requirements and organisational priorities.

• Provide complex and specialised planning advice, including the determination of planning applications and preparation of planning policies and guidance.

• Lead design-related activities within the team, offering design advice, managing design codes and masterplans, and ensuring quality standards in developments.

• Manage and lead teams of professional planners and regeneration officers to deliver outcomes focused on client needs, including Cabinet, committees, and other stakeholders.

• Make informed decisions on development management, policy, and regeneration projects with significant environmental, economic, and community impacts.

• Advise on statutory planning processes, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and monitoring of policy effectiveness.

• Represent the organisation at formal meetings, including committees, steering groups, and public examinations.

• Negotiate with senior representatives from government bodies, developers, landowners, and community leaders on planning and regeneration matters.

• Manage projects, including budget oversight up to £100k, ensuring governance and compliance with legislation and policies.

• Commission and oversee research to support planning decisions and regeneration initiatives.

• Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence within the planning team.

• Extensive experience in town planning and urban regeneration, preferably within a major city context.

• Proven ability to deliver results on complex technical projects within set deadlines.

• Experience preparing detailed reports for senior officers, committees, and external organisations.

• Strong skills in public consultation and stakeholder engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of producing clear, concise, and well-structured documentation.

• Political awareness and understanding of local government service provision and financial constraints.

• Competence in project and team management, including motivating and coordinating professional staff.

• Ability to remain calm and resilient under pressure, maintaining professionalism and focus.

• Customer-oriented mindset with a commitment to service quality and continuous improvement.

• Degree or relevant professional qualification in planning or related discipline, with evidence of ongoing professional development.