Why join us We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and enjoyable work-life-balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system. We are seen as being customer focused, approachable and business-like. We are honest and open and are renowned for providing high quality cost-effective service. The post holder is responsible for managing the team and ensuring that the operational objectives for the Planning Specialist Team for each council are met. The team is made up of various specialised professional disciplines that deal with; conservation areas, listed buildings, urban design, regeneration, trees, landscape, countryside; ecology/biodiversity and sustainability. The post holder will oversee and provide input into the development of planning policy in each of the specialist areas to support and be included in any Development Plan Document and other Council-wide policy documents and performance management frameworks. In addition, the post holder will support development management consultations and input. The team leader will require a basic understanding of the specialist roles and will provide effective leadership, management and development of the team within a shared working arrangement and closely with other departments of the council and partners. They will facilitate informed decisions by ensuring that officers and councillors are apprised of issues and receive relevant, best practice professional advice. Essential qualifications A relevant planning or specialist planning degree or equivalent level of demonstrable vocational experience Key responsibilities for the role strong people management and leadership skills excellent communication skills, able to communicate ideas and expectations clearly and succinctly, using plain language good interpersonal skills with staff, customers and stakeholders, demonstrating an understanding of individual needs able to manage a team, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging individuals to take training opportunities ability to work independently and take initiative for implementing improvements A full list of the duties this role provides, as well as the benefits we offer, can be found within the job description. Thank you for taking the time to read our advert, we look forward to receiving your application.