Planning Policy Team Leader

Company Description

*PLEASE NOTE*
Cyngor Gwynedd is committed to being an inclusive employer, and to enhancing the diversity of the workforce.
Your application form will be assessed anonymously. Your title, name and email address will not be shared with the appointing panel for the purpose of shortlisting. You should carefully consider this when completing the further information section of the application form.

Post: Planning Policy Team Leader
Salary: £44,075 - £46,142 (along with Local Authority pension contribution)
Closing Date: 10am on Friday, 19 June 2026
Thank you for showing an interest in applying for this post. It offers an opportunity for a professional, enthusiastic and committed individual as a Team Leader in Cyngor Gwynedd’s Planning Policy, Landscape and Nature Service.
We are eager to appoint someone who will be able to lead on aspects of the process of preparing the Local Development Plan for the Gwynedd local planning authority. You will ensure a Plan that meets the statutory requirements and meets the social, economic and environmental needs of the communities in the area for the future.
The successful candidate will also lead a team to ensure that the Service's duties
are carried out effectively.
All details about the post can be seen in this document, and you should submit your application on the Council website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/jobs
If you would like an informal conversation to discuss the post, contact Rebeca Jones, the Service Manager ([email protected], 01286 679890).
We look forward to receiving your application.
Interviews will be held on 25/06/2026.

Requirements

Personal attributes
Essential
A warm personality.
An eye for detail and accuracy.
Honest, self-confident, assertive and flexible.
Able to take on responsibilities and to communicate effectively.
Able to work under pressure and as part of a team.
Able to inspire and manage staff effectively.
Committed to providing good customer service and always looking for ways to improve the service.
An individual who conveys enthusiasm for the work.
Holder of a clean and valid driving licence and use of a car.
Desirable
-
Qualifications and relevant training
Essential
Degree or equivalent qualification in Town and Country Planning or in a specialised subject that is relevant to the Service's field of work.
Desirable
Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject.
Membership of the RTPI or RIBA or another relevant professional body or association.
Relevant experience
Essential
Experience of working for at least five years in the planning policy field and lead the work in the process of preparing and implementing a Local Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance.
Preparing evidence and participating in a public inspection for a Local Development Plan.
Providing briefings and commission work from consultants.
Preparing and presenting reports to committees and working groups.
Experience of managing staff.
Experience of working to tight timescales and under pressure.
Experience of collaborating with officers and Elected Members at all levels.
Desirable
Preparing evidence in a public inspection for a Local Development Plan.
Leading and contributing to improvements / changes in work arrangements and processes in the planning policy field.
Collaborating with the Welsh Government, councils, agencies and other bodies.
Leading and contributing to responses to public consultations by relevant bodies on issues relevant to planning.
Working in other planning fields such as Development Control and Enforcement.
Working in Local Government.
Financial Management.
Collaborating with partners on a regional and national level.
Experience of contributing to the process of monitoring and managing performance.
Skills and specialist knowledge
Essential
Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant Planning Acts, Environmental Acts, Regulations and relevant policies.
Thorough understanding of work processes in the Policy Planning field and specifically the process of preparing and implementing a Local Development Plan.
Able to interpret planning policies and guidance (local and national) clearly and firmly and provide policy guidance on development control and enforcement matters.
Strong communication skills – oral and written.
Relevant skills for preparing and presenting reports and the ability to collaborate effectively with people, agencies and outside bodies.
Understanding of urban and rural planning issues.
Understanding of Local Government working arrangements.
The ability to use computer packages.
Desirable
Understanding of the main objective of the AONB designation and the role of the AONB Management Plan.
Understanding of mineral and waste planning matters.
Knowledge of the area and the commitment to protect and improve the urban and rural environment.
Understanding of other various computer packages.
Language requirements
Listening and Speaking - Higher
Able to follow a conversation or discussion through the medium of Welsh and English on a professional level and discuss general day to day topics in the field in order to present information and express opinions.Able to give a pre-prepared presentation and respond to any comments and questions on it in Welsh or English.
Reading and Understanding - Higher
Able to understand standard written Welsh and English; both formal and informal.Able to gather information from various sources such as letters, reports, articles through the medium of Welsh and English in order to fulfil the post.
Writing - Higher
Present written information confidently by letter, more detailed and technical report formats, and respond to written requests conveying information, ideas and opinion in Welsh and English (help is available to check the work).