Interim Lead for Dorset Local Plan

Role Title: Interim Lead for Dorset Local Plan Location: Dorchester 3/4 days a week onsite Start Date: Immediate after vetting Rate: £ per day Umbrella Duration: 6 months+ This role is for someone to manage the Spatial Planning Manager and the 50 strong team alongside them. You will report jointly to the Corporate Director for Planning and the Executive Director for Economy and Environment. Your objective is to lead Dorset Council's work to deliver a new Local Plan under the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and a new Design Guide for Dorset. Essentials Skills & Experiences: • Significant experience in a senior role within Strategic Planning. • A demonstrative record of delivery, particularly in respect of the production and adoption of Local Plans. • Significant experience of engaging, guiding and influencing senior and statutory officers on complex strategic planning and transport matters. • Experience of leading, inspiring and motivating teams, colleagues and partners to drive services forward, achieving high quality delivery with reducing resources. • Ability to successfully influence key decision makers and stakeholders at senior levels, both internal and external to the Council. • Good understanding of the political context at regional and local level and working with Elected Members in a constructive and sensitive way. • Ability to quickly build credibility with senior managers and stakeholders. Responsibilities • Establish a critical path timescale and robust project management arrangements for the new Local Plan. • Drive forward tangible progress on the new Local Plan and Design Guide for Dorset, leading through the project management arrangements you have put in place. • Ensure that the resources of the Spatial Planning Team and the wider Planning Department are geared towards the primary objectives of producing a new Local Plan. • Work closely with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor committees, and the Executive Director. Managing your work diary in such a way as to maximise your face-to-face working time with these senior stakeholders. To apply, please send your CV to or call