Interim Head of Planning
Scunthorpe - UK
Job Summary
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 councils 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 councils 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 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
Documents
Required Experience:
Director