Strategic Planning Lead

Strategic Planning Lead

Salary: £66,336 – £72,150

Location:

County Hall, Preston / Hybrid

Lancashire County Council is seeking an outstanding Strategic Planning Lead to shape and drive our strategic and development management planning functions at a pivotal time for local government and planning reform.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence and responsibility for supporting major infrastructure delivery, preparing for the Planning & Infrastructure Bill and leading the development of Spatial Development Strategies (SDS) as part of Local Government Reorganisation.

If you are a visionary leader with the drive to transform services and deliver excellence, we would love to hear from you.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction across planning services, ensuring they are resilient and future‑ready.
• Oversee the Council’s statutory planning functions, ensuring high‑quality and timely planning application management.
• Lead our development plan function, including work on Spatial Development Strategies.
• Advise and influence senior leaders, elected members, and the Planning Committee to support informed, evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Deliver cost‑effective services.
• Represent Lancashire County Council regionally and nationally, building influential networks and shaping planning policy.

• Relevant qualifications and chartered status in planning, engineering or a related field.
• Senior‑level experience in strategic planning, delivering a high‑quality service in complex environments.
• Strong leadership skills, able to motivate teams and manage change.
• Strategic thinking with a track record of driving innovation and service improvement.
• Financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets and resources effectively.

Closing Date: 11th January 2026

Interviews: 23rd January 2026

For an information conversation please contact D

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you with the opportunity to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring – Lancashire County Council really is the place where you can have the career you’ve always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we also offer a generous benefits package which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which rises with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.