Head of Planning

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Councils

Head of Planning

Location:
Oxfordshire

This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on Linked In. After this time please apply directly to  until the closing date Sunday 22nd February 2026

In this role, you will be the councils’ number‑one planning professional, the person our members, senior leaders and partners look to for clarity, interpretation, and advice. You will set the tone, shape the culture, and provide the strategic and statutory leadership needed to navigate complex decisions in one of the country’s most high‑profile planning landscapes.

You will take on a strong foundation: award‑winning innovative work, high performance in development management, and capable managers who are ready to grow. But this is a moment that calls for a leader who can unite teams, modernise ways of working, and ensure the service meets the government’s, and the councils’, challenging ambitions.

With a state‑of‑the‑art planning system going live, you will use this as a platform for cultural change, improving transparency, strengthening governance, and elevating the customer experience. You will build confidence among members, improve communication with town and parish councils, and reinforce a more proactive approach to enforcement. And you will prepare the service for the opportunities and challenges ahead, including the implications of future local government reform.

This is a region with nationally significant housing and infrastructure growth, sensitive landscapes, flagship employment sites, enterprise zones and strong environmental commitments. You will help the organisation navigate political ambition, community and partner expectation and statutory planning requirements, grounding decisions in policy, law and evidence while supporting members to make informed, confident choices.

We’re looking for someone who brings authority with integrity, emotional intelligence without hesitation, and resilience without rigidity. Someone who can connect services, build trust, and lead through complexity with clarity and purpose.

If you’re ready to shape a modern planning service, influence at the highest level, and make a genuine impact on the places and communities we serve, this is the moment to join us.

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact our executive search partners Gatenby Sanderson:
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