Job Title
Planning and Place Manager
Job Family
Manager (Super)
Salary Grade
7
JOB PROFILE
Directorate
Chief Executive
Department
Development Management and Strategic
Planning
Ref No
DM001
Date
June 2016
1. MAIN PURPOSE
To be responsible for the organisation, leadership and delivery activities of the Development
Management and Strategic Planning Function, together with any other associated duties that may
be specified by the Council. To develop policies and strategies to meet development control
regulations and any other allied legal requirements.
2. POSITION IN ORGANISATION
Responsible to:
Chief Executive
Employees responsible for:
11
Context:
The post is one of eleven reporting to the chief executive
who, in addition to Development Management, has
responsibility for Planning Policy, Building Control,
Economic Growth, Nuclear and Environmental Health and
Communications
3.
EMPLOYMENT BASE The
Copeland Centre, Catherine Street, Whitehaven.
4.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibility for managing the service budget and negotiating PPA cost recovery mechanisms.
5. SUMMARY OF MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The raise the profile of the Planning Function as a driver for high quality Place Shaping
2. To deliver the Council’s objectives for Development Management through the effective
and proactive management, development and organisation of the Development
Management team.
3. To be responsible for ensuring the Development Management team comply with the
requirements of legislation and the policies of the council.
4. To be the lead advisor to Planning Panel and oversee the operation of the Local
Development Framework Panel
5. To advise the Council on significant planning matters, including policy changes etc.
6. To advise on government instructions and other standards affecting the delivery of the
services.
7. To be the principal contact with other departments, the DLCG, Planning Inspectorate and
neighbouring local authorities regarding planning matters.
8. To take a pro-active role in the identification, development and introduction of new
systems and techniques to improve the way the Council works and to generate efficiencies
9. To lead on the development of administrative and technical processes, including the
implementation of ‘on line’ services.
10. To proactively develop and implement on action required to maximise funding for the
unit’s work and identify potential new income streams.
11. To ensure the requisite collaboration, joint working and engagement between the two
planning functions on a daily basis.
12. To ensure that through the Aim High Process, individual performance is closely managed
and training and development is in place as appropriate for all staff across the function and
talent is nurtured.
13. To manage the Strategic Planning Manager and drive the production of the Local Plan in
accordance with the Local Development Scheme, and the timely production of other
related documentation and evidence base production.
14. To support the Strategic Planning Manager in representing the Councils interests with
regard to infrastructure strategy and planning and wider economic strategy development.
15. To support others within the Directorate in the development of projects and programmes
designed to deliver the Council’s corporate objectives in relation to delivering its growth
and commercialisation agenda.
12. To contribute to wider management issues of the Council as a whole, to promote effective
and productive team working to meet customer and organisational requirements.
13. To deputise for the Chief Executive or other Directors as required.
14. To work with the Chief Executive and the other managers, particularly super managers to
ensure the most effective and efficient use of staff to meet corporate and service objectives.
This may include project team and other cross unit working, involving the assignment of staff
outside of their principle area of work, where they are suitably qualified and experienced,
subject to their agreement.
15. To undertake any other duties as might reasonable be requested by the Chief Executive
Director as appropriate.
16. To ensure that all activities comply with Council Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, all
Statutory Regulations including Health and Safety requirements.
17. To be involved, as appropriate, in the event of emergency situations occurring within the
Borough.
6. CONTACTS
Internal: Officers and members at all levels. Presentation at committees.
External: Other public sector agencies at all levels. Private sector, including developers,
agents and applicants and the community and voluntary sectors. Members of the
public.
7. SPECIAL FEATURES
Out of hours work.
8. PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential**
Desirable
Education and
Full membership of the Royal
Degree in a subject relevant to town
Qualifications
Town Planning Institute
planning
Management qualification
Knowledge and
Substantial experience of
Leadership experience
experience
managing a team providing a
professional service
Experience of planning policy work
Substantial experience in
Knowledge of the role of planning in
development management and
regeneration and growth
the operation of strategic
planning
Commercial awareness
Good knowledge of government
Political awareness and sensitivity
advice, guidance and legislation
as it relates to development
Project Management experience
control
Masterplanning
Substantial experience in the
public sector and an
understanding of the particular
environment in which district
councils work
Knowledge of the role of planning
in protected built and natural
environments
Good communicator in written
Job related skills
and oral forms.
Urban design / building design skills
IT literate.
Self motivated, demonstrating
Track record of performance
ability to make independent
management
decisions and recommendations.
Experience of
Presentation skills
mentoring/coaching in staff
development Car driver will full licence and
access to a vehicle. Understanding of the processes
and systems involved in
development control and the role
of ICT
** the requirements stated as essential should form the basis for the Shortlisting exercise Personal
competencies
This role requires demonstration of the following positive behaviours:
1. Organisational Change and Forward Thinking - understanding and preparing for the business
challenges ahead and responding to change Level 3
• Uses a range of management styles to meet the needs of different
people and situations to ensure engagement in the change agenda
• Creates and communicates an awareness and the need for change
within the Service Unit encouraging participation
• Implements change, understanding the political implications of action
• Contributes to medium and long term strategy for the service and the
organisation
2. Managing Self and others - managing your own performance and that of others
Level 3 • Sets
and manages clear performance goals for the Service
•
Ensures adequate resources are available to meet Service
objectives,
recognising skill shortage areas
•
Contributes to the Council’s Human Resources Strategy
requirements
•
Supports first line managers/team leaders in the application of
Human Resources policies and procedures
3. Service Delivery - delivering highly effective services Level 3
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with existing
and future customers and partners across all organisational levels
• Continually questions and challenges established procedures to
deliver the best possible outcomes, seeking opportunities to increase
efficiency through innovation and new technologies
• Reviews work plans on a regular basis , re-prioritising as necessary
• Defines and analyses problems and identifies best practice solutions
4. Managing Finance and other resources - using the resources and finance of the Council Level 3
• Manages the Service Unit effectively to deliver the maximum possible
within constrained financial resources ensuring compliance to the
Councils policies and procedures
• Bids, prepares and manages budgets to achieve financial goals
• Negotiates with others for use of resources required to meet Service
objectives
• Understands and applies programme and project management
techniques and methodologies as appropriate to the role
5. Customers - working with internal and external customers
Level 3
• Uses and invites customer feedback to improve Service Unit delivery
• Seeks contributions from customers and considers trends to improve
the customer experience
• Uses the diverse qualities of the Service Unit team members to meet
the differing needs of the customer
• Contributes to the agenda for considering alternative ways of service
delivery to exceed customer expectations without compromising
quality
6. Communication - communicating internally and externally at all levels using a variety of
approaches
Level 3
• Ensures variety of communication methods and styles are used to
ensure full understanding of range of audience requirements
• Clearly communicates the Service’s role in delivering the Council’s
objectives on a regular basis
• Ensures mechanisms are in place to ensure positive communications
across teams within the Service
• Operates an ’open-door policy’
7. Team Working - w
orking effectively with individuals and teams
Level 3
• Brings people together for effective team working across the Service •
Builds effective relationships and shares information with other
Service Unit teams who are affected by their decisions and actions
• Mediates to resolve any difficulties in teams across the service
ensuring all aspects of the Council’s equality and diversity are adhered
to
8. Personal skills - demonstrating personal effectiveness, professionalism, personal integrity and
compliance with Health and Safety policy and legislation
Level 3
• Inspires others with their genuine commitment to the Council’s vision
and values
• Demonstrates high standards of professional behaviour
• Ensures the diverse qualities of the Service teams meet the differing
needs of the Service
• Acts as a role model to others
• Complies with and ensures compliance of the Council’s Health & Safety
policy