Chief Planning Officer

Chief Planning Officer

Stroud District Council is seeking an inspiring, forward-thinking leader to join our Strategic Leadership Team as our next Chief Planning Officer. This is a pivotal role at a time of opportunity and change, offering the chance to shape the future of our communities while driving innovation across our planning services.

Stroud District Council

Chief Planning Officer

Salary: £86,166 per annum

• Lead and direct our place shaping functions, including Development Management, Planning Strategy, Community Infrastructure, and specialist teams covering Ecology, Conservation, Heritage, Arboriculture, and Land Charges.
• Integrate Development Management and Planning Strategy into one cohesive, high-performing service, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and efficiency across teams.
• Take ownership of writing and delivering our Local Plan, setting the vision for sustainable growth and new settlements across the district.
• Champion customer service excellence, ensuring residents, developers, and stakeholders experience a responsive, joined-up approach.
• Manage infrastructure planning including major projects such as the canal restoration and strategic housing developments.
• Drive service transformation and continuous improvement aligned with the government’s digital planning agenda.
• Lead performance management, integration, and stakeholder engagement to achieve outstanding customer service.

• A proven track record in senior planning leadership, ideally with experience of service transformation and digital innovation.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, and frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership and motivational skills, with the ability to inspire and retain talent.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to identify opportunities for efficiency and income growth.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence in political and public forums.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working without mandated office days. However, visibility and presence will be important to build relationships and lead effectively.

• Seniority level:
  Executive
• Employment type:
  
  Full-time
• Job function:
  Strategy / Planning, Project Management, and General Business
• Industries:
  Government Administration, Government Relations Services, Community Development and Urban Planning
• Location:
  
  Stroud, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
• Closing date: 23rd January 2026

For more information, please contact Marnie Lodhi  or Gary Evans ) of Gatenby Sanderson.

Stroud District Council is proud of its inclusive, community‑oriented ethos and ambition to create sustainable, high‑quality places that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.