Planning Manager (Policy)

About us

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas.

We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best.

In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

The work you will be doing

We are seeking an experienced Planning Policy professional to be responsible for the management, delivery and implementation of the Local Plan.

This post offers a unique opportunity to help shape the borough of Swale by delivering the integral Local Plan, heading up the busy Planning Policy Team whilst ensuring quality of implementation through master planning and collaborative working with the Planning Applications team.

What we can offer

If you choose to join us in this interesting role, we will provide you with a great benefits package that includes a competitive salary, as well as a market supplement and access to our desirable local Government Pension Scheme.

We will also contribute to relocation expenses if relevant, and you will receive 30 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and an extra day at Christmas.

We want you to find the perfect work-life balance, so flexible working options will be considered, plus you will have access to a range of additional benefits such as discounts on high street chains and leisure centres, plus our cycle-to-work scheme.

Above all else, you will find an inclusive and supportive working environment, in which your professional and personal wellbeing are important to us.

About You

You will hold a Town Planning qualification at degree level or equivalent and have full corporate Membership of a relevant professional institution (RTPI).

You should have excellent working knowledge of current UK planning policy and practice, be confident in representing the Council at public meetings and have the ability to write and present complex Committee reports and to deliver presentations to both the public and external key stakeholders.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Joanne Johnson, Head of Place on 01795 417080.

Closing Date: 12 May 2024.

Interview Date: 3 June 2024.

To apply, please send CV and suitability statement demonstrating how you meet the competencies for the role to hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk

Link to JD here: Planning-Manager-Policy-JD-SBC-April-24.pdf (maidstone.gov.uk)