Interim Head of Planning

Job description

The Vacancy

Head of Planning

JNC Band 5

Fixed Term for 12 Months (Maternity Cover)

North Lincolnshire is changing the way it works. We are building a more agile, efficient and joined-up council, focused on better outcomes for our residents, stronger places and better use of public resources.

Planning is at the heart of that ambition.

We are looking for an exceptional planning leader to join us for a 12-month maternity cover appointment and lead one of the council's most important strategic functions.

This is a significant leadership role with responsibility for Planning Policy, Development Management and Planning Enforcement, alongside the delivery of the council's statutory responsibilities as the Local Planning Authority.

But this is not simply about managing planning services. It is about shaping the future of North Lincolnshire.

• How do we enable sustainable growth while protecting what makes our place special?
• How do we create the conditions for investment, regeneration and new jobs?
• How do we deliver the homes, infrastructure and opportunities our communities need?
• How do we ensure our planning decisions support the ambitions set out in the Council Plan and future Local Plan?

We want someone who is comfortable leading those conversations. You will play a pivotal role in guiding the development of a new Local Plan, shaping planning policy, overseeing complex development proposals and managing the challenges and opportunities that come with growth and change.

You will lead a highly skilled and professional team, working closely with elected members, senior leaders, government agencies, developers, investors, community representatives and other stakeholders to deliver the best outcomes for North Lincolnshire.

A key part of the role will be ensuring that our planning services continue to evolve, embracing innovation, improving performance and delivering excellent customer-focused outcomes while meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements.

You will also work across organisational boundaries, supporting regeneration, economic growth and investment opportunities, helping to unlock development that benefits our residents, businesses and communities.

We are looking for someone who combines professional planning expertise with strategic thinking, sound judgement and strong leadership.

You will need to be able to operate confidently within a complex and politically sensitive environment, translating national planning policy into practical local solutions and providing trusted advice to senior leaders and elected members.

Most importantly, you will need the vision to see what North Lincolnshire can become, alongside the determination and resilience to help make it happen.

If you are looking for a leadership role where you can genuinely influence the future of a place, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a lasting impact.

One Council. One Place. One Family. One Purpose.

For more information, please contact [email protected] , Head of Planning

Please see the attached job description and employee specification, and refer to these when completing your application to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Closing date: 04/10/2026

Preferred interview date: 13/10/2026

The Council We are collectively organised around the people and place of North Lincolnshire. Together we ensure that our communities are safe, well, prosperous and connected. We are ambitious for North Lincolnshire. We want our area to be the #BestPlace for our residents by being the #BestCouncil we can be. We achieve this through living our values of equality of opportunity, excellence, integrity and self-responsibility in all that we do.

Candidates must be able to evidence their right to work in the UK. Please note the council does not hold a sponsor licence to sponsor people to work in the UK.

The Council

We are collectively organised around the people and place of North Lincolnshire. Together we ensure that our communities are safe, well, prosperous and connected. We are ambitious for North Lincolnshire, we want our area to be the #BestPlace for our residents by being the #BestCouncil we can be. We achieve this through living our values - equality of opportunity, excellence, integrity and self-responsibility - in all that we do.

The Benefits

Staff discounts

Annual leave

Access to pensions

Salary sacrifice
schemes

Free car parking

Eye test and glasses reimbursements