Planning Manager - Castle Point Borough Council

Planning Manager - Castle Point Borough Council

Castle Point Borough Council

Permanent, Full Time

£57,182 - £61,858 per annum

Location: Castle Point

Closing Date: 31st August 2025

Essex County Council are delighted to be advertising the role of Planning Manager on behalf of Castle Point Borough Council. To see full job advert and apply, please click HERE.

Are you ready to make a real impact in shaping the future of our communities with a passion for placemaking and sustainable development?

Castle Point Borough Council is seeking a Planning Manager to lead our proactive and forward-thinking Planning Team. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the borough’s landscape, guiding high-quality and sustainable developments.

You should be able to hit the ground running and be capable of working with minimum supervision, efficiently managing your workload and making a real contribution towards quality decision making.

We are entering an exciting period and need a committed and enthusiastic individual, who enjoys a challenge, to assist the Council in maintaining its reputation for high quality service and decision making. Managing the Castle Point Planning Department will be rewarding.

In this exciting and varied role, you’ll be at the forefront of planning and development, guiding and shaping developments. You will;

• Lead, develop and inspire a talented team of planning professionals
• Oversee planning applications, pre-application advice, and appeals
• Champion design excellence and compliance with national and local policies
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the Planning Service
• Build strong relationships with developers, councillors, and stakeholders
• Manage budgets, review fees, and contribute to strategic planning initiatives
• Represent the Council at public hearings, inquiries, and professional forums

Key Skills and abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills for persuasion, influence, and relationship-building
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities
• Ability to interpret complex data and provide strategic solutions
• Ability to mentor and share knowledge with team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and presentations
• Self-motivated with strong initiative and workload management
• Decisive problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in IT systems, including Idox Uniform and Microsoft 365
• Advanced knowledge of planning legislation and development management practices
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and negotiation (e.g., S106, PPAs)
• Ability to manage projects and contribute to strategic planning
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer-focused service
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site visits and evening meetings

Experience

• Significant experience working within a local planning authority or a relevant private sector planning business
• Proven track record of handling a varied caseload of planning applications
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing or supervising team members
• Experience in developing and managing projects or programmes of work
• Familiarity with planning appeals and participation in Public Inquiries and Hearings

Qualifications

Applicants must hold both a GCSE or equivalent, in Maths and English at Grade C (Grade 4) and above.

Membership or eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is desirable.

Applicants must hold a full valid UK driving licence (for site visits).

Not only is this a great role for the right candidate but you also get some great benefits including:

• 27 days Annual leave
• FREE Gym membership
• Flexi-time 
• Payment of one relevant professional subscription
• Funded work related training and development courses

For an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Recruiting manager – Stephen Garner, Assistant Director for Development Services by phone (01268 882351) or by email (SGarner@castlepoint.gov.uk).

The Council is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all our employees to share this commitment.

Our values: Trust, Respect, Improving and Learning, and Customer Focus

Castle Point Borough Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

How to apply: This role is being advertised on behalf of Castle Point Borough Council therefore all applications must be submitted via the Castle Point Borough Council website. Please note any applications submitted via the Working for Essex ‘apply’ button will be advised to reapply via the Castle Point Borough Council website.

Please click the link to apply HERE.