Job Description

Planning Strategy and Policy Manager
Location: Brecon
Salary: 47,181 - 49,282 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 10th October 2025
National Parks were designated in order to protect beautiful areas for the benefit of the nation. They came about as a result of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which put a legislative framework in place for the establishment of National Parks in England and Wales.
The Role
Lead and deliver the statutory planning policy functions of the Authority, including the preparation, examination and adoption of the National Park Local Development Plan, and its monitoring and review.
Provide advice on and support the preparation of other planning strategy and policy including supplementary planning guidance, place plans, strategic development plans and local development plan lites.
Lead and manage the Planning Strategy & Policy Team ensuring efficient, cost effective service delivery and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation, examination, adoption and monitoring of the National Park Local Development Plan.
• Oversee and support matters related to planning ecology and related work areas such as SAC river catchment partnerships.
• Provide planning policy advice on planning and related applications, enforcement cases and appeals.
• Manage and input into other planning policy work relevant to the Authority including the preparation of strategic development plans, Supplementary Planning Guidance, Place Plans, development briefs and studies.
• Provide specialist advice and support to senior officers and Members on planning strategy, policy and related issues ensuring the National Park Authority and its Members are kept up to date and briefed on the work of the Planning Strategy & Policy Team and other national and local planning policy developments.
• Contribute to the implementation and monitoring of the National Park Management Plan to ensure integration between planning and management policies.
• Commission surveys, studies or specialist services/projects as necessary to support service delivery and manage such contracts effectively.
• Liaise with Welsh Government, other National Parks and Local Authorities with regards to the development and implementation of planning policies, consultations and related evidence.
• Promote the involvement of local people and other stakeholders in the planning process and build and maintain successful relationships with relevant stakeholders and partnerships.
• Contribute towards the planning appeal work of the Authority on policy issues and, when appropriate, to attend public inquiries/ hearings.
• Provide leadership, line management and support to staff within the Planning Strategy & Policy Team overseeing work priorities, appraisals and outcomes.
• Oversee and monitor the performance of the Planning Strategy & Policy Team supporting the continuous improvement of the service and ensuring that business objectives are met.
• Help ensure there are positive links between the Planning Strategy and Policy Team and the rest of the Planning Service and Authority.
• Manage and monitor the budget of the Planning Strategy & Policy Team.
• Represent the Authority and attend and present at appropriate meetings and committees as required.
• Any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post as directed by the Director of Planning & Place or Chief Executive Officer.

Skills and Qualifications

• A minimum of 4 years relevant experience in Planning Policy
• Demonstrable experience of the application of public / administrative law to plan making
• A recognized qualification, degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning or a related discipline
• An in-depth knowledge of planning policy, related legislation and procedures
• Understanding of ecological issues in the planning process and related regulations
• Ability to work under pressure, on own initiative and organise workload effectively
• Proven ability to deliver high quality services that are cost effective and provide excellent customer service.
• An ability to provide coherent, competent and professional advice both written and verbal
• An ability to demonstrate organisational and interpersonal skills required to deliver complex work areas and meet deadlines.
• An ability to work as part of a team and to mentor and support colleagues on planning related issues.
• Ability to deal diplomatically with the public, National Park Members, staff and other stakeholders.
• Ability to proactively engage local communities and other key stakeholders in the development and delivery of the service
• A willingness to attend public meetings outside core office hours
• Welsh Language Level 0

To Apply
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Skills Required