Specialist Team Manager – Town Planning
Most people don’t think too much about how clean water reaches their tap, but Scottish Water does. In fact, it’s all we think about.
As Team Manager for our Planning team (Can be based throughout Scotland), you’re at the forefront of our mission. You’ll lead a specialist planning function that supports the successful development and delivery of projects across Scottish Water’s Capital Investment programme.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how we navigate Scotland’s statutory planning system, provide expert advice across a diverse portfolio of projects, and help deliver the infrastructure and services that communities across Scotland rely on every day.
About the Role
You’ll lead and develop a team of town planning professionals, ensuring high‑quality planning advice is embedded from the earliest stages of project development through to delivery. Working across projects ranging from smaller local schemes to complex major developments, you’ll provide leadership, assurance and direction on planning strategy, consenting routes and stakeholder engagement.
You’ll work closely with internal teams, delivery partners, regulators and planning authorities to help secure robust, timely and practical outcomes that support Scottish Water’s investment ambitions.
What You’ll Do
The role involves leading, managing and supporting a team of planning professionals, fostering a high‑performing and collaborative environment.
- Provide expert planning advice across a broad range of projects, including permitted development, renewable energy, small‑scale developments and major infrastructure schemes.
- Undertake horizon‑scanning to identify changes in planning legislation and policy, helping to shape strategy, inform risk management and guide consenting approaches.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal colleagues, specialist teams, stakeholders, local authorities, regulators and delivery partners.
- Support the timely progression of projects by ensuring that planning risks, dependencies and opportunities are clearly understood and effectively managed.
- Drive consistency, quality and continuous improvement in planning processes, standards and ways of working across the team.
What You’ll Bring
To be successful in this role you’ll bring strong leadership capability, technical planning expertise and the confidence to work across a varied and complex project portfolio. You will have an established network across the planning landscape and a proven track record of developing and supporting others.
Essential criteria:
- Holding a degree in Town Planning and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
- Proven experience managing a team of town planners.
- Robust knowledge of Scotland’s planning legislation and its practical application.
- Experience securing consent across a range of development types.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility across diverse partners.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience working in a developer setting.
- Knowledge of the water and wastewater sector.
- Track record of delivering in line with investment and project requirements.
- Success in presenting to Planning Committees.
Why Scottish Water
We’re committed to delivering great service for our customers, protecting our environment and investing in Scotland’s future. In this role you’ll have the opportunity to lead a valued specialist team, influence a diverse and meaningful programme of work, and help shape sustainable infrastructure outcomes across the country.
Benefits and Working Practices
38 days of holiday each year (including public holidays); you can buy five additional days if needed. Paid time off to volunteer in your community is available. Family‑friendly policies around adoption, maternity and parental leave. Flexible working is embraced. Pension plans and life assurance are provided. Annual company bonus and access to SW Splash reward schemes.
Hybrid working is supported; we encourage people to spend half their time at a Scottish Water location.
Salary and Grade
This is a Grade 8 role. Starting salary is £54,776, with performance‑driven progression up to £74,386.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted until midnight on 14 th July 2026.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of race, gender, disability or age.
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