Head of Strategic Planning Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements. Salary: SM3. £83,633 - £88,633 per annum. (Please note it is North East CA policy to appoint at the starting point of the salary band). Contract: Full-time, Permanent Reporting to: Assistant Director of Place Closing Date: Monday 25 th May 2026 at 23:59 Join us as Head of Strategic Planning This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the North East at a pivotal moment for regional growth. As Head of Strategic Planning, you will lead a newly established team at the heart of the North East Combined Authority, driving the development and delivery of the North East Spatial Development Strategy. You will set a bold and ambitious spatial vision for the region, underpinned by robust evidence and strong governance, ensuring planning policy actively supports sustainable growth, infrastructure investment and inclusive economic prosperity. In this influential leadership role, you will provide expert strategic and technical planning advice to support major development and investment priorities, including Mayoral Development Zones, Investment Zones and other designated growth areas. You will play a key part in exercising the Mayor’s statutory planning powers, advising on planning applications of regional significance, Mayoral Development Orders and strategic policy matters. With a strong outward-facing focus, you will also represent the region nationally responding to consultations, influencing policy development and championing the North East’s ambitions on the national stage. Collaboration will be central to your success. You will build trusted partnerships with local authorities, government agencies, developers and other strategic planning authorities, fostering shared ownership of the Spatial Development Strategy and its outcomes. Internally, you will inspire and lead a high-performing Strategic Planning Team, promoting innovation, professional excellence and value for money. This role offers a unique platform for an experienced planning leader to leave a lasting legacy, helping to shape places, unlock investment and deliver long-term benefits for communities across the North East. We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. If you are a strategic, credible and collaborative planning leader with the confidence to influence at senior levels and the passion to drive transformational place-based growth, we would love to hear from you. If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Louise Sloan Assistant Director of Place; louise.sloan1@northeast-ca.gov.uk Closing date for applications: Monday 25 th May 2026 at 23:59 For further information about the North East Combined Authority please visit our website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk