Service Manager – Planning Policy & Infrastructure

Service Manager – Planning Policy & Infrastructure

Location: Lyndhurst with hybrid working

Salary: c.£58k-£62k pay award pending

Relocation Package: £8,000 to help with your relocation if appropriate

Hours: Full time

THERE’S MORE TO OUR PLACE THAN MEETS THE EYE

The New Forest has long been recognised as a beautiful place, rich in history and wildlife habitats, and an oasis of calm in a busy world. The towns in our area are centres of dynamic growth and alongside our key role in the Solent Freeport we’re looking for a Policy & Infrastructure Service Manager with the drive and ambition to help create and deliver our place ambitions.

The main purpose of this role is to lead on the Local Plan, deliver a range of green and other infrastructure projects, and work with our partners to support inclusive growth. Mentoring, developing and coaching other members of staff so they’re able to deliver the required levels of service will be another key responsibility, as will encouraging and promoting

an innovative, outcome focused approach to our work.

With significant growth planned for the District, you will play a lead role working with communities, businesses and other public bodies to help shape its future. You’ll also provide professional advice and guidance of the highest standard to our members and staff and represent the council to a wide range of external stakeholders, delivering place improvements for residents now and in the future.

To be a success in this role you should possess the following:

• A degree in a relevant field
• Membership of a relevant professional body
• At least 5 years’ experience in the field of planning policy
• At least 5 years’ experience of managing and developing a professional team
• Detailed knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance and statutory duties
• The proven ability to develop policy and implement change within your service area
• Strong project management skills
• Sound financial management and ICT skills
• High level skills in problem solving, analysis and interpretation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to persuade and influence at a high level in a complex landscape
• Versatile and flexible team working skills
• A strong customer focus and the ability to develop effective partnerships
• The ability to work without direct guidance from the Executive Head
• Experience of delivering a customer-focused service

In addition, you’ll be at an advantage if you have experience in local government or the public sector, a qualification in strategic or operational management, and experience of delivering physical projects on the ground. We’ll also look for the ability to lead initiatives to deliver biodiversity net gain.

We offer a range of benefits including:

• £8,000 to help with your relocation
• 27 days annual leave
• Smarter flexible working (approx. 50% - 50% office/remote working to meet service and stakeholder requirements)
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme
• Performance points available for exceptional performance up to £65,670

All our employees are required to support the Council’s safeguarding policy and undergo any associated training to ensure its functions are delivered with regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

If you’re interested in applying for this role, we want to hear from you. For further information or an informal discussion regarding the position, please contact Brian Gallagher on brian.gallagher@penna.com and also visit Welcome (moretonewforestplace.com)

Interviews: Friday 5^th August & Tuesday 9^th August 2022

Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 11^th July 2022