Planning Policy Manager

Shape the Future of South Kesteven

This is a genuinely exciting time to join South Kesteven District Council.

We are preparing a new Local Plan that will guide our district’s growth to 2043 — delivering the homes, jobs, infrastructure and community facilities our residents need. Alongside this, we are proud to be one of only ten authorities selected for the MHCLG Design Code Pathfinder Programme, placing us at the forefront of design excellence and placemaking in the UK.

Whether you are an experienced leader or ready to step into your first senior leadership role, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact — and grow your leadership career.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you will:

• Shape and deliver our new Local Plan
• Lead the implementation of our Design Code ambitions
• Oversee urban design and conservation services, championing quality and place-making
• Lead, support and develop a high-performing professional team
• Provide trusted advice to senior officers, Members and stakeholders
• Drive innovation while ensuring strong policy compliance

You’ll play a key role in influencing both strategy and delivery, while developing your own leadership capability in a supportive and ambitious environment.

We are looking for someone with the passion and potential to succeed — whether you are already operating at a senior level or ready to take the next step.

You will:

• Be a qualified town planner, urban designer or related professional
• Have experience in plan-making and/or design policy
• Bring either established leadership experience or a clear ambition to step into a leadership role
• Be a confident communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Be passionate about design quality, sustainability and community-led placemaking

Most importantly, you will have the drive to develop as a leader, with the confidence to take ownership and the willingness to grow.

At South Kesteven, we are committed to developing future leaders as well as supporting experienced ones.

In this role, you will benefit from:

• Opportunities to lead high-profile, strategic projects
• Exposure to senior leadership and decision-making
• Support to build your leadership style and confidence
• Access to professional development, mentoring and training
• The chance to shape and develop your own team

Whether you’re refining your leadership approach or stepping up into senior responsibility for the first time, we will help you reach your full potential.

South Kesteven is a district rich in opportunity, with thriving towns, beautiful countryside, strong communities and a growing economy.

Our ambition is clear: to make South Kesteven the best place to live, work and visit — and our people are at the heart of that vision.

At SKDC, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation where you can see the real-world impact of your work every day.

We support you both professionally and personally, with:

• Flexible, hybrid working to support work-life balance
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing with service
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• A strong focus on learning, development and career progression
• A low-cost healthcare plan
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• A range of health and wellbeing initiatives

For further information or an informal chat about the role please contact Emma Whittaker on extension 6362 or e-mail emma.wh