Overview
Location: Ormskirk, hybrid
Salary: £61,320 - £65,946 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
West Lancashire Borough Council is seeking an experienced and driven Planning Services Manager to lead our Planning Service during an exciting period of transformation. This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape how places across the Borough evolve - supporting sustainable growth, safeguarding local character, and delivering high‑quality outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
As a senior leader within the Planning, Economy & Wellbeing Directorate, you will:
- Lead and manage performance across Development Management, Strategic Planning, Planning Enforcement, Conservation and Heritage, and GIS.
- Provide strong, visible leadership to a skilled and committed team, promoting collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Work constructively with elected members, colleagues, partners and communities to deliver a responsive, transparent and professional Planning Service.
- Champion high‑quality placemaking, ensuring development aligns with the Council’s ambitions for thriving places and sustainable communities.
Responsibilities
As a senior leader within the Planning, Economy & Wellbeing Directorate, you will lead and manage performance across the Planning Service and related functions as described above.
Qualifications
What you will bring:
- A strong track record as a planning professional, with an RTPI‑recognised qualification and comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation, policy and best practice.
- Proven leadership experience, successfully managing multidisciplinary teams while balancing strategic priorities with effective day‑to‑day service delivery.
- An organised and proactive approach, with the ability to manage competing demands and maintain high performance standards.
- Experience of handling major planning applications, contributing to Local Plan preparation, and overseeing Section 106 and CIL processes.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with elected members, senior leaders, developers and local communities. You will understand the political context of local government and bring sound judgement, professionalism and credibility to the role.
- Above all, a commitment to service improvement, high‑quality outcomes and fostering a positive, customer‑focused culture within the Planning Service.
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