Job Description

Interim Local Plan Lead

Location: South West England (Hybrid – 3–4 days on-site)

Rate: £650–£750 per day (Outside IR35)

The Opportunity

A Local Authority in the South West is seeking an experienced Interim Local Plan Lead to take ownership of one of its most significant strategic planning programmes.

This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for driving the production and adoption of a new Local Plan under the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), whilst also leading the development of a new Design Guide.

Reporting directly into Executive Leadership, you'll work alongside senior officers, elected members and key stakeholders to establish governance, programme delivery and strategic direction for one of the authority's highest priority projects.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the delivery of the Council's new Local Plan from programme mobilisation through to adoption.

* Develop and implement a robust project plan, governance framework and programme management arrangements.

* Drive progress across multiple planning workstreams to ensure key milestones are achieved.

* Provide strategic leadership to Planning teams and support service managers to deliver programme objectives.

* Build strong relationships with senior officers, elected members, statutory consultees and external stakeholders.

* Ensure planning resources are effectively aligned to support Local Plan delivery.

* Provide expert advice on strategic planning, planning policy and development management matters.

* Present reports and recommendations to senior leadership, committees and elected members.

Essential Experience

* Significant experience in a senior strategic planning leadership role within Local Government.

* Demonstrable track record of successfully leading the preparation and adoption of Local Plans.

* Strong understanding of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and strategic planning legislation.

* Experience influencing senior officers, elected members and statutory stakeholders.

* Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary planning teams.

* Excellent programme and project management skills.

* Ability to quickly establish credibility and drive complex planning programmes forward.

Desirable

* RTPI membership or equivalent professional qualification.

* Experience leading planning policy transformation programmes.

* Experience working within politically sensitive Local Authority environments.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role, with attendance on-site 3–4 days per week required to support collaboration with senior leadership, planning teams and elected members.

Interested?

If you're an experienced Planning Policy leader with a proven record of delivering Local Plans and are looking for your next interim challenge, we'd love to hear from you