Local Plan Manager

• Recruitment_pack_generic_April_2025
• LOCAL_PLAN_MANAGER_Job_description_and_person_specification_Spetmber_2025

Please note that we do not accept CVs. We only accept online applications. Our applications can take up to 2hrs to complete but we have prepared some guidelines to help you with the application as it’s such an important part of the process.

https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/blogs/2022/how-ace-local-authority-application-form

To apply use the "Apply Online" button below, which will take you to our Applicant Tracking System ('ATS') where, once you have applied, you can log on to your online account at any time to view the status of any of your applications. By using ATS, you can track the progress of your application(s), receive communications by email, select your own interview time online and see whether you have been made a conditional offer.

Local Plan Manager

Planning Policy & Strategy, Planning and Environmental Health

Salary: £59,657 - £64,464pa

Closing date: Friday 7 November 2025 at 9am

Interview date: w/c 17 November 2025

Are you ready to step up to a more senior role in planning policy, or perhaps you are an experienced planner wanting a change?

Either way this is an exciting time to join Elmbridge as we’re looking for an experienced and motivated planning professional to lead our Local Plan Team. In this key role, you’ll oversee the delivery of the new Local Plan for the Borough, provide expert policy advice, and support strategic planning across the Borough.

You’ll manage a small team, shape planning policy, and work closely with local communities, stakeholders, and government partners to deliver effective and sustainable development. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a leading role as we start preparing a new Local Plan.

You will be instrumental in all of this; supporting our residents and helping them to understand the role good planning makes in shaping an area.

About you

• You are a dynamic, motivated and organised planning professional with significant experience of preparing development plan policies and implementing them
• You have experience of managing a Local Plan team and dealing with major and more complex planning policy issues, including the remaining stages of our Local Plan examination and be responsible for the preparation of SPDs, to support the Plan’s implementation.
• You must be able to show that you have a sound knowledge and clear understanding of current law, national policy and guidance related to development planning.
• You will have excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with colleagues, Councillors and the community. Being politically astute will also serve you well.
• You will also have experience of direct line management and identifying and implementing service improvements.

Ultimately you will have an important role to play in helping us to shape Elmbridge.

Have a look at the other essential criteria in the person specification, but it’s your approach to work that will be your main asset.

About us

• Learning and development: We will create a bespoke learning and development plan for you.

• Flexibility: we will discuss the right mix of home and office for you.
  
  
• Wellbeing: When you thrive Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have a strong and varied wellbeing programme.
  
  
• The package: Not forgetting our excellent pension and ‘Thrive’ package of employee benefits and discounts with various local businesses. There is also free employee parking, your birthday day off and we are closed between Christmas and New Year.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact Sarah on 01372 474827 and she will be more than happy to help you.