About The Service
This an exciting opportunity to lead and manage the Planning Service of the Capital City of Wales. Cardiff is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK and the Service plays a key role in effectively managing future development, establishing and delivering the growth and sustainability vision for the city.
The Service helps support the delivery of wider corporate priorities such as responding to the climate emergency and assisting with post-pandemic recovery initiatives. It also leads on implementing the placemaking approach as set out by the Welsh Government through our policy-making and Development Management functions together with providing technical and professional support to corporate regeneration projects.
You will be working for one of the largest employers in Wales, joining an experienced and motivated group of Officers within the Planning Service which forms part of the Transport and Environment directorate. As a team we are passionate about making a positive difference and achieving real outcomes on the ground.
About the job
Overall, this is a critical position for the future successful growth of the city. Recovering from Covid, the need for place-based economic regeneration, responding to climate emergency priorities we believe that the Head of Planning will play a key role in developing and embedding a position cutting edge vision for the city in challenging times.
It is a particularly timely opportunity to play a leading role in the future development of the city as the Council is due to commence the preparation of a Replacement Local Development Plan. Additionally, the Welsh Government has recently issued new national policy/guidance and put in place the basis for new Strategic Planning arrangements on a regional level.
The policy aspects of the job will involve balancing all relevant matters in preparing the new Plan including engaging with our wide range of stakeholders and the wider public together with collaborating with our partners within the region.
The Service determines the highest number of planning applications in Wales with a highly varied Development Management caseload. The job will involve direct involvement with major development proposals including playing a lead role in negotiations, directly supporting the smooth functioning of the Planning Committee and providing advice and guidance to Case Officers.
You will also be required to lead and co-ordinate the on-going management of the service in terms of budgetary and resource management, staff development, meeting customer needs and delivering high standards of performance.
What We Are Looking For From You
We are looking for someone who can provide the excellent leadership and management skills which are required to continue the key role of the Planning Service in shaping the future of the city.
In a fast-changing environment, you will need a strong personal commitment to the value and role of Planning in bringing about positive change. You will need to champion the role of the Service and ensure that it continues to evolve in the right way.
You will need exceptional management skills in effectively responding to a heavy workload, maximising the contributions and supporting the continued development of a talented and dedicated team of experienced officers.
You will also need to recognise the importance of working with our key partners and customers and have demonstrable experience of successfully delivering corporate priorities including a proven track record of effectively liaising with Elected Members.
Full details of the role and the behavioural competencies required for the role which will have to be demonstrated through your application form and selection process are detailed on the role profile document.
Additional information
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances the interview process for this role will be held on a virtual basis using an appropriate online platform. If you have any concerns around your ability to participate in a virtual interview process or if you would like an informal conversation about this role prior to application, please email Hannah.james@cardiff.gov.uk and we will arrange for a call to be made to you.
This vacancy is suitable for post share.
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