Planning Policy Manager

Planning Policy Manager

£58,000 - £60,879 per annum (pay award pending)

37 Hours per week Permanent Witney

About the role…

West Oxfordshire District Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Planning Policy Manager to lead our planning policy function, driving the strategic planning framework that underpins the growth and sustainability of our district. This pivotal role will ensure our Council’s vision is translated into effective planning outcomes, shaping the future of West Oxfordshire.

As a Planning Policy Manager, you will:

• Lead the Planning Policy Team in developing, monitoring, and reviewing planning policies, including the Local Plan and supplementary planning documents.
• Provide strategic oversight of infrastructure planning, including managing Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy.
• Represent the Council in strategic planning discussions with stakeholders, neighbouring authorities, and community groups.
• Oversee responses to national planning consultations and provide advice on development proposals.
• Drive innovative service delivery and contribute to the Council’s corporate strategy.
• Manage budgets, guide team performance, and promote collaboration across Council services.

We are looking for a results-driven professional with a strong track record in planning policy.

You will need…

• A degree in planning or a related field and membership (or eligibility for membership) of a professional body such as RTPI or RICS.
• At least 8 years of planning experience, including 5 years in planning policy or development management.
• Experience of managing teams, attending Planning Committees, and presenting evidence at public inquiries.
• Excellent knowledge of planning policy and guidance, along with strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
• A full UK driving license and the ability to travel as required.

Desirable Attributes…

• A management qualification.
• 3+ years of management experience in planning.

Special Conditions…

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Ability to travel / access to a vehicle for work purposes
• Politically restricted postholders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

What can we do for you…

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
• 26 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years’ service and 32 days following 10 years’ continuous service
• In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements

Terms and conditions apply

These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!

Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references;  proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.