Head of Planning Policy (Oxford Street Development Corporation)

Oxford Street Development Corporation

This role will sit in the future Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). OSDC is expected to be established by 1 January 2026 as a new Mayoral Development Corporation--part of the GLA Family--to drive the transformation of Oxford Street.

You can learn more about OSDC here: Oxford Street Transformation | London City Hall

About the role

This role’s purpose is to:

1. To efficiently lead the day-to-day delivery of OSDC’s statutory responsibilities for the production, consultation, examination and adoption of the Local Plan and development of planning policy and guidance to support the delivery of the Local Plan and of a CIL charging schedule, in order to ensure the co-ordinated development of the area to meet the Corporation’s strategies and objectives.
2. As a member of the Planning Directorate management team, manage the effective and efficient operation of the planning policy team, undertake duties to assist and support the Director of Planning, deputising for the Director of Planning where appropriate and representing the OSDC at a senior level.
3. To provide high-level technical leadership and coordination on research and policy development to address strategic planning and spatial trends and issues facing the area for which the OSDC has statutory responsibility.
4. To provide effective, high-level advice to the OSDC Chief Executive Officer, OSDC Chair of the Board, OSDC Chair of the Planning Committee, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Mayoral advisors, Assembly members and senior officers of the GLA and functional bodies on spatial planning issues.
5. To represent the Corporation externally on strategic planning, planning policy issues and the OSDC.

What your day will look like

Your day-to-day will include the following responsibilities:

1. Provide high level technical leadership to set up and subsequently manage an effective, high quality planning policy service for the Corporation which meets the OSDC’s objectives and statutory responsibilities, including contributions to relevant Strategies and especially the development, monitoring and review of the Local Plan and of a CIL charging schedule and associated guidance;
2. To consult with the community and other stakeholders through the Local Plan, and to initiate and set the agenda for the wider consideration and debate of strategic land use issues in the Corporation;
3. Provide strategic coordination and oversee the commissioning / procurement / or in-house production of a relevant and high-quality technical evidence base for the Plan and examination in public.
4. Keep abreast of new developments, best practice, planning reform and other changes to the planning system, to be able to advise authoritatively on these topics.
5. Responsible for coordinating and the management of policy alignment to support implementation of OSDC strategies through advice on development proposals and the plans, briefs and strategies of other agencies, including those of adjacent authorities;
6. Procure and manage the work of consultants to support the work of the Planning policy section and maintain budgetary oversight for relevant areas of division spend, managing and planning for expenditure over the annual horizon, providing support and intelligence to influence future resources and budget requirements;
7. Provide technical leadership and coordination, liaison and engagement necessary to address strategic planning policy issues of concern to OSDC including Government, Boroughs, GLA functional bodies, consultants and academic institutions;
8. Establish effective management arrangements for the Planning Policy team, helping to ensure work programmes are established, monitored and delivered within allocated budgets, in a collaborative manner;
9. Provide effective leadership and management of staff to ensure personal development, successful performance and ensure that staff are motivated and satisfied within the performance management framework;
10. Be responsible for the production and implementation of the OSDC Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule, overseeing the process of preparation, consultation, examination and implementation, whilst ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.

1. To take the lead on reporting on CIL and Section 106 collection and spend and ensuring that the processes of collection and spend are fit for purpose and properly implemented.
2. To advise, consult and communicate with OSDC Board Members, OSDC Chair of the Planning Committee, OSDC Planning Committee members, the Mayor, London Assembly, Local Councillors, and OSDC senior management to provide specialist advice relating to Planning policy and on strategic planning matters, and to assist the Director of Planning in ensuring the provision of updated training and advice and support to the OSDC Planning Committee, to enable members to discharge their duties effectively.

1. To effectively manage a team of staff to meet the OSDC’s corporate objectives, ensuring adequate performance measures are put in place for projects and staff to encourage a culture of exemplary performance

1. To manage within the legislative and operational frameworks applicable to OSDC services and projects, this includes (but not limited to) the Localism Act, Planning Regulations, Health and Safety Law and Equalities.

1. To be responsible for project and operational budgets, forecasting, managing expenditure and budget setting.

1. To lead on programmes, projects and work streams as required, ensuring the correct methodology is applied at all times, in particular regular reporting and any issues and risks are identified (reported) and mitigated (addressed) in a timely manner.

1. To be an ambassador for the OSDC at all times through working across teams and with stakeholders to deliver high quality outputs, thus positively contributing to the reputation of the OSDC.

1. To undertake duties commensurate with the grade and level of this post

1. Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.

1. Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this post.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (or equivalent/eligible) or a relevant degree in Town and Country Planning;
• Extensive Experience of leading teams of planners in a senior planning role delivering an effective planning policy programme;
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of national, regional, London-wide and local planning issues and processes, legal processes and policy trends and a clear understanding of the planning policy context and the political, social environmental and economic issues relating to OSDC.
• Extensive Experience of developing effective relationships and working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including statutory and non-statutory organisations and elected representatives.
• An excellent track record of giving high level professional advice on complex and/or sensitive issues at a senior level and ability to communicate effectively through clear and persuasive oral, written and personal presentations to a range of different audiences.
• Excellent appreciation of current and anticipated future trends in development

The following competencies will also be essential:

BuildingandManagingRelationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
• Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
• Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect
• Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership

StrategicThinking

…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term and turning these into a compelling vision for action.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Translates GLA vision and strategy into practical and tangible plans for own team or delivery partners
• Consistently takes account of the wider implications of team’s actions for the GLA
• Encourages self and others to think about organisation’s long-term potential
• Informs strategy development by identifying gaps in current delivery or evidence
• Takes account of a wide range of public and partner needs to inform team’s work

ManagingandDevelopingPerformance

… is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect
• Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities
• Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities
• Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance

Planning and Organising

… is thinking ahead, managing time, priorities and risk, and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
• Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
• Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
• Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
• Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

This is a politically restricted role under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV
• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Molly Strauss, Head of Oxford Street Transformation at the GLA, would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at molly.strauss@london.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview.

The interview date is w/c 8 Dec and w/c 15 Dec.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

Staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.