Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom
Posted On 29/04/2026
Job Information
Work Experience 4-5 years
Interim & Executive Management
City Kettering
Province Northamptonshire
Postal Code NN16
Job Description
3 month contract role with a Local Authority
Job Summary
The Lead Officer – Minerals & Waste Planning is a senior leadership role responsible for managing and delivering the Council’s statutory minerals and waste planning functions.
This includes overseeing planning policy development, development management, and associated services such as planning archaeology and ecology.
The postholder will lead a specialist team, ensure compliance with national and local planning frameworks, and drive high-quality, customer-focused services that support sustainable development and the circular economy.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample)
* Lead and manage the Minerals & Waste Planning team, including policy and development management functions.
* Oversee the preparation, submission, adoption, and review of the Minerals and Waste Local Plan.
* Ensure compliance with planning legislation, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
* Provide expert professional advice to senior officers, elected members, and stakeholders.
* Represent the Council at committees, public inquiries, examinations in public, and external meetings.
* Manage and develop staff, including line management of Principal Planning Officers and matrix team leadership.
* Lead stakeholder engagement, including public consultations and partnership working with neighbouring authorities.
* Oversee the assessment of complex planning applications relating to minerals and waste developments.
* Contribute to strategic planning policy at local, regional, and national levels.
* Support service transformation, digitalisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Manage budgets, resources, and performance to ensure effective service delivery.
* Investigate complaints and ensure timely resolution in line with council procedures.
* Deputise for the Head of Policy & Placemaking when required.
Skills/Experience
* Significant senior-level experience within a Local Planning Authority, specifically in minerals and waste planning.
* Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system, legislation, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
* Proven experience in planning policy development and/or development management.
* Strong leadership and team management experience, including staff development and performance management.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including working with councillors, developers, and the public.
* Ability to manage complex projects and deliver planning frameworks to adoption.
* Strong report writing and presentation skills, including committee reports and public inquiry representation.
* Commercial awareness and ability to develop services for external clients (desirable).
* Ability to work collaboratively across teams and within a matrix management structure.
* Degree in Town Planning or related field.
* Eligibility for Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) (essential).
Additional Information
* Based at Thrapston (North Northamptonshire Council), with hybrid working (approx. 2 days office / 3 days remote).
* 37 hours per week, typically 09:00 – 17:30.
* Requires attendance at evening/weekend meetings and public events where necessary.
* Travel required across the authority and occasionally beyond.
#J-18808-Ljbffr