Planning Policy, Infrastructure, and Planning Specialists Manager
Planning Policy, Infrastructure & Planning Specialists (PPIPS) Manager
Salary: £63,251 - £69,728
Location: The Burys, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1HR / Hybrid working
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Planning Policy, Infrastructure & Planning Specialists Manager to provide leadership across a key element of the Council’s Planning service.
Reporting to the Joint Assistant Director – Planning, this is a senior management role with responsibility for leading the Planning Policy, Infrastructure and Planning Specialists (PPIPS) team, including oversight of planning policy, infrastructure delivery, CIL and S106, design, heritage and specialist advice services.
You will act as the lead officer for the preparation of the Council’s new Local Plan, working closely with Development Management colleagues and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure high‑quality, deliverable and compliant planning policy outcomes.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the PPIPS team, providing clear direction, leadership and performance management
- Act as the Council’s lead officer for the preparation and delivery of the new Local Plan, including examinations and associated governance
- Oversee the preparation and review of planning policy documents, design codes and supporting evidence
- Coordinate responses to national, regional and neighbouring authority planning consultations
- Oversee statutory monitoring, including the Authority Monitoring Report and associated data
- Lead the preparation and maintenance of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP)
- Ensure effective and efficient collection, management and use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and S106 contributions in line with Council priorities
- Provide or procure specialist planning advice (e.g. design, heritage, infrastructure) to support policy development and decision‑making
- Act as the Council’s lead professional witness at examinations, inquiries and court proceedings where required
- Manage service and project budgets, including the Local Plan programme
- Build and maintain strong relationships with elected members, infrastructure providers, partner authorities and communities
- Contribute to business continuity planning and ensure compliance with health and safety responsibilities
About you
You will be a highly experienced planning professional with a strong background in planning policy leadership, infrastructure planning and team management, comfortable operating in a complex and politically sensitive local government environment.
Essential requirements include:
- Degree‑level qualification in planning, geography or a related discipline
- Membership (or eligibility for membership) of the RTPI or a relevant professional body
- Extensive experience in a senior planning policy role
- Detailed knowledge of planning legislation, policy and plan‑making processes
- Strong understanding of CIL and S106 frameworks
- Proven experience of leading, motivating and managing professional teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to members and committees
- Strong political awareness and ability to work effectively with elected members
- Experience of managing complex programmes, budgets and competing priorities
Why join us?
Waverley is an ambitious authority at a pivotal point in shaping its future growth. We offer:
- The opportunity to lead a high‑profile Local Plan programme
- A collaborative senior leadership team
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Support for professional development and CPD
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- The chance to make a long‑term impact on how our communities grow and thrive
Please note:
No agencies or speculative CVs please. Direct applications only.
How to Apply
We understand that some applicants may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with preparing their applications.
All submitted information, whether supported by AI or not, must accurately reflect the applicant’s own skills, experience, and qualifications.
Recruitment decisions will be based on how well applicants demonstrate these attributes during the interview and selection process.
From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.
As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.
We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trusted and open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.
While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.
Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.
To apply for this vacancy, click the “Apply Online” link.
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If you are unable to use this service or would like assistance, please contact us via hr@waverley.gov.uk or call the Human Resources team on 01483 523388.