The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference REQ00000019029 Date posted 15/10/2025 Application closing date 05/11/2025 Location Blank Salary £81,049 - £83,933 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank
Location: Kendal with the option of working from any anchor office within the westmorland area
Contract Type: Permanent
About thisopportunity
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and visionary SeniorManager – Planning Services to lead the Planning function at Westmorland and Furness Council.
The Planning Service plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the area—driving sustainable, inclusive,and green growth across our communities. Responsible for planning policy, development management, enforcement, land charges, the service is at the forefront of delivering the Council’s ambitions for place‑making, housing delivery, and environmental stewardship.
As the Council’s most senior manager for planning, you will report directly to the Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth and provide strategic leadership across all aspects of the planning function. You will oversee the development and delivery of the LocalPlan, ensuring it reflects the Council’s long‑term vision and statutory responsibilities.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 70 professionals, driving innovation, efficiency, and customer service excellence. Working collaboratively with partners, members, and communities, you will ensure planning decisions and policies enable sustainable growth, protect our natural and built environment, and deliver positive outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
Key priorities include:
* Leading the preparation, review, and implementation of the Local Plan.
* Overseeing high‑quality and timely decision‑making in development management and enforcement.
* Providing professional leadership and strategic advice on planning policy and service delivery.
* Fostering strong relationships with government agencies, developers, and local communities.
* Promoting continuous improvement, innovation, and staff development within the service.
This is a high‑profile role with significant strategic influence, offering the opportunity to shape how Westmorland and Furness grows; socially, economically, and environmentally for generations to come.
Who we arelooking for…
We are seeking a highly skilled and inspirational leader with extensive experience in planning and strategic management ideally within a Unitary Authority. You will bring the vision, professional expertise, and drive to lead a modern, high‑performing planning service in a large and ambitious local authority.
You will hold chartered membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and a Master’s degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning, or a closely related discipline.
You will also demonstrate:
* A comprehensive understanding of planning legislation, LocalPlan preparation, and development management processes.
* Significant leadership experience within a local authority or comparable organisation, with a proven record of delivering strategic outcomes.
* The ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
* Strong analytical and decision‑making skills, with experience managing complex, high‑profile, or politically sensitive planning matters.
* Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, able to represent the Council with credibility and professionalism.
If you are passionate about shaping sustainable places, driving forward local priorities, and delivering a forward‑thinking planning service that makes a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Due to the senior nature of this role there is an expectation that the successful candidate would be able to be based in our offices the majority of the week.
What can weoffer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers(westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you liketo find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Gareth Candlin (Assistant Director of Inclusive and Green Growth) via email on gareth.candlin@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to arrange an informal conversation.
Application andInterview information
We are currently operating both in‑person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
Westmorland and Furness Council are now able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please note, we cannot guarantee the eligibility of all of our roles, therefore, if you would like more information on roles that may be eligible please visit the government website - Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes - GOV.UK .
Equality,Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
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