Corporate Director – Planning

Corporate Director – Planning Overview

Join Dorset Council as a Corporate Director of Planning and be part of a transformative journey in one of the largest planning services in the UK. This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in enhancing planning services to better support economic growth and community needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning function for Dorset, establishing direction and driving delivery to enhance economic development and regeneration.
• Oversee the production and implementation of the Dorset Local Plan, ensuring it aligns with corporate priorities and is economically viable.
• Support economic growth by identifying and promoting regeneration and investment opportunities throughout the county.
• Advance strategic initiatives such as regeneration projects in Weymouth, Portland, and Chickerell, as well as clean energy and offshore wind developments.
• Modernize planning services to improve efficiency, consistency, customer experience, and digital capabilities.
• Collaborate with elected officials, providing clear and confident advice while ensuring robust governance and decision-making processes.
• Foster a culture that encourages innovation and challenges traditional methods.
• Manage significant budgets and resources with accountability and discipline.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a complex environment, with a track record of delivering results in planning.
• Experience in producing and adopting a Local Plan is highly desirable.
• Ability to navigate political landscapes and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong drive and credibility to transform planning from a regulatory function to a proactive engine for development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary ranging from £97,966 to £126,181.
• Generous relocation package of up to £8,000, including an initial advance of up to £2,500 and assistance with buying or selling costs.
• Support for rent or mortgage costs during the first two years of employment.

This is a full-time position, and the closing date for applications is 25 October 2026. If you are ready to take on this challenge and help shape the future of planning in Dorset, we encourage you to apply.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship Promising