Can you shape the future of the Lake District - one of England's most spectacular landscapes and largest World Heritage Sites? We are seeking an experienced and innovative leader to guide the strategic direction of the Lake District National Park.
The role
You will not only coordinate the review of our Local Plan but also spearhead the creation of vital strategic policy documents, ensuring a robust evidence base for all our work.
You will oversee and mentor a multi-disciplinary team of specialists, including consultants, in fields ranging from the historic environment to sustainable transport to support the delivery of the Partnership's Management Plan. Building a network through the 23 members of the Lake District Partnership, you will support the delivery of this joint National Park and World Heritage Site Management Plan.
A key focus of this role will be acting as our 'digital champion', directing the transition to a digitally-led service and harnessing technologies like AI, Power BI, and GIS to enhance our efficiency and data-driven decision making.
If you are a great communicator, highly organised in your work, and someone who can lead a team, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for:
- A degree in Town & Country Planning or a related discipline.
- People and line management experience, with the ability to inspire and coach a team.
- A proven track record in planning policy and Local Plan preparation, including examination, community engagement, and evidence gathering.
- Experience working closely and collaboratively with external partners and stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience presenting reports to committees and representing an organisation at external forums.
The Lake District National Park Authority looks after this unique corner of England and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We encourage people to protect, connect and grow as well as supporting those who live and work here.
What's it like to work here?
You'll be joining an award-winning team, having won national planning awards in 2019 for our Local Plan, and the planning service was awarded RTPI North West Local Authority Team of the Year in 2024.
Our staff are passionate about the landscape and proud of the work we do to look after the Lake District and help people enjoy it. We are innovative and agile in our approach to work, ensuring we get the best from our resources. What's more, our staff know each other and can quickly form workplace relationships to make great team players and problem solvers.
As such, you'll have the day-to-day support of great peers in your team and the wider service, and a strong group of members and councillors who value your work, giving you confidence and stability for strategic planning and delivery of the Partnership's priorities.
Working with us, you'll enjoy:
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Electric car and Cycle to Work schemes
- Paid time off so you can volunteer
- Subsidised healthcare scheme
- Commitment to wellbeing
See our website for a complete list of our employee benefits.
Contact
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact Rob Allison (Head of Strategy and Partnerships).
Interviews will be held on 2nd or 3rd October in Kendal (with dates subject to change).
We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive sufficient applications, so please apply early to avoid missing this opportunity.
Diversity and Inclusion
As an equal opportunities employer, the Lake District National Park Authority is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
Disability Confident Employer
We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. By 'minimum criteria' we mean that you must provide evidence in your application which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as well as meeting any of the qualification, skills or experience defined as essential.
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