Interim Head of Planning

Shape growth. Create opportunities. Lead the future of North Lincolnshire.

JNC Band 5 ¦ Fixed Term for 12 Months (Maternity Cover)

North Lincolnshire is an ambitious place, and planning is central to how we deliver sustainable growth, regeneration and opportunity for our residents, communities and businesses.

We are transforming how we work to deliver better outcomes, stronger communities and a thriving local economy. As we continue this journey, we are seeking an exceptional InterimHead of Planning to lead one of the council's most strategically important services on a 12-month maternity cover basis.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director of Place, you will provide strategic leadership for planning services and play a key role in shaping the future of North Lincolnshire.

This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for:

• Planning Policy
• Development Management
• Planning Enforcement
• Delivery of the council's statutory responsibilities as the Local Planning Authority

You will lead the development of a new Local Plan, oversee major planning applications and help shape the future growth and regeneration of North Lincolnshire.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership across all planning services
• Lead the preparation and delivery of the new Local Plan
• Oversee Development Management and Planning Enforcement functions
• Drive service improvement, innovation and performance
• Provide expert professional advice to elected members and senior leaders
• Build strong relationships with developers, investors, government agencies, community representatives and key stakeholders
• Support regeneration, economic growth and investment opportunities across North Lincolnshire
• Ensure compliance with planning legislation, policy and regulatory requirements
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing professional team

What We Are Looking For:

You will be a strategic and influential leader with the ability to balance competing priorities, build strong relationships and inspire confidence across a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a planning environment
• A strong track record of delivering high-quality planning services and managing complex projects
• Experience of working effectively in a politically sensitive environment
• The ability to influence strategic decision-making and organisational priorities
• Proven experience of leading and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent partnership, stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• A degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or an equivalent professional body

Most importantly, you will share our ambition for North Lincolnshire and have the vision, resilience and determination to help shape its future.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the council's most influential services and help shape the future of North Lincolnshire.

You will:

• Lead the delivery of a new Local Plan
• Influence major development, regeneration and investment decisions
• Work closely with elected members, senior leaders and strategic partners
• Lead a skilled and dedicated professional team
• Make a lasting impact on communities across North Lincolnshire

We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Minimum 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
• BHSF health and wellbeing support
• Pluxee employee benefits platform
• Cycle to Work and Tusker salary sacrifice schemes
• Free onsite parking
• Comprehensive induction and onboarding support
• Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities

One Council. One Place. One Family. One Purpose.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact rebecca.brown@northlincs.gov.uk.

If you are looking for a leadership role where you can genuinely influence the future of a place, we would love to hear from you.

Please refer to the attached job description and employee specification when completing your application and clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Closing Date: 8 November 2026
Interview Date: 20 November 2026

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. Please note that North Lincolnshire Council does not hold a sponsor licence and is therefore unable to sponsor applicants requiring a Skilled Worker visa.

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Please note the council does not hold a sponsor licence to sponsor people to work in the UK.

Attachments

• Job description and employee specification.pdf