Cotswolds National Landscape
A rare opportunity to help shape the future of the Cotswolds
How often does a planning opportunity come along where you can genuinely influence the future of one of the country’s most beautiful and important protected landscapes?
FutureGen Recruitment has been retained by Cotswolds National Landscape to appoint its next Head of Strategic Planning.
This is a genuinely unique opportunity for an experienced planning professional to step into a senior leadership role with significant influence over planning policy, development and the long-term protection of the Cotswolds.
Covering approximately 790 square miles, the Cotswolds National Landscape is one of Britain’s most treasured landscapes. Its protection and future development require a careful balance between environmental conservation, sustainable growth, infrastructure and the needs of local communities.
As Head of Strategic Planning, you will play a central role in achieving that balance.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and forming part of the senior leadership team, you will lead the organisation’s planning function and help shape its strategic direction.
This is not a conventional planning management position. Rather than managing a large development management caseload, you will have the opportunity to influence planning decisions and policy at a strategic level, working with local authorities, government departments, national organisations and key stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the strategic planning function, providing expert advice on planning policy, development management and infrastructure proposals affecting the National Landscape.
- Shaping the future of the Cotswolds, including leading the review of the existing Management Plan and development of the 2030–2035 Cotswolds National Landscape Management Plan.
- Working closely with 15 local authorities, influencing planning policy, Local Plans and significant development proposals across the region.
- Representing the organisation at planning examinations, committees, consultations and, where required, nationally significant infrastructure examinations.
- Advising the Board and Chief Executive on complex planning matters, emerging legislation and strategic opportunities.
- Leading and supporting the planning team, helping develop the function and ensuring the National Landscape’s interests are effectively represented.
The position offers a particularly interesting combination of planning policy, development management, environmental protection, strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement.
Who Are We Looking For?
We are keen to speak with experienced Town Planners and planning or landscape professionals who have strong technical expertise, good commercial and political awareness, and the confidence to influence decisions at a senior level.
You may currently be working within a local authority, planning consultancy, National Landscape, National Park or another public-sector or environmental organisation.
We would particularly welcome conversations with professionals who can demonstrate:
- Chartered membership of the RTPI, Landscape Institute or equivalent professional body.
- Strong knowledge of planning policy, development management and relevant legislation.
- An understanding of protected landscapes, environmental considerations and the wider planning challenges affecting rural areas.
- Experience advising senior stakeholders, engaging with local authorities and presenting well-reasoned planning advice.
- The ability to think strategically, lead projects and support the development of others.
Previous experience within a protected landscape would be particularly valuable, although we are equally interested in speaking with experienced planning professionals who have transferable expertise and a genuine interest in conservation and the environment.
Above all, we are looking for someone who wants to make a difference.
An Excellent Work–Life Balance
Alongside the opportunity to take on a genuinely rewarding leadership position, Cotswolds National Landscape offers an attractive package, including:
£52,292 annual salary, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), payment of professional RTPI or Landscape Institute membership fees, and recognition of continuous government service where applicable.
Importantly, the organisation also offers excellent flexibility around home working.
Although the offices are in the beautiful village of Rendcomb, close to Cirencester and Cheltenham, the usual expectation is approximately two days per week in the office and up to three days working from home, subject to business needs.
Additional flexible working arrangements can also be considered.
This makes the opportunity potentially accessible to experienced professionals across a much wider geographical area who may previously have ruled out a role in the Cotswolds.
Interested in Finding Out More?
Opportunities at this level, within an organisation such as Cotswolds National Landscape, rarely become available.
Whether you are actively considering your next move or simply intrigued by the opportunity, we would welcome an initial confidential conversation.
FutureGen Recruitment is managing this appointment on behalf of Cotswolds National Landscape.
There is no need to complete a lengthy application form at this stage. You are welcome to send us your CV for an initial confidential review, or simply get in touch to discuss the position and understand more about the role.
Contact: Rob Hanks – Director, FutureGen Recruitment
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07855 276123
Telephone: 020 7112 8420
Website: www.futuregenrecruitment.com
Please note: Cotswolds National Landscape reserves the right to interview suitable candidates before the advertised closing date and may close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified. We therefore encourage early applications and expressions of interest.
