Strategic Planning Lead| Full Time | Preston

Strategic Planning Lead Salary: £66,336 – £72,150 Location: County Hall, Preston / Hybrid Lead the Future of Planning in Lancashire Lancashire County Council is seeking an outstanding Strategic Planning Lead to shape and drive our strategic and development management planning functions at a pivotal time for local government and planning reform. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence and responsibility for supporting major infrastructure delivery, preparing for the Planning & Infrastructure Bill and leading the development of Spatial Development Strategies (SDS) as part of Local Government Reorganisation. If you are a visionary leader with the drive to transform services and deliver excellence, we would love to hear from you. As our Strategic Planning Lead you will: Provide strategic leadership and direction across planning services, ensuring they are resilient and future‑ready. Oversee the Council’s statutory planning functions, ensuring high‑quality and timely planning application management. Lead our development plan function, including work on Spatial Development Strategies. Advise and influence senior leaders, elected members, and the Planning Committee to support informed, evidence‑based decision‑making. cost‑effective services. Represent Lancashire County Council regionally and nationally, building influential networks and shaping planning policy. What we are looking for: Relevant qualifications and chartered status in planning, engineering or a related field. Senior‑level experience in strategic planning, delivering a high‑quality service in complex environments. Strong leadership skills, able to motivate teams and manage change. Strategic thinking with a track record of driving innovation and service improvement. Financial and operational acumen, with experience managing budgets and resources effectively. Closing Date: 11th January 2026 Interviews: 23rd January 2026 For an information conversation please contact Debbie.King@lancashire.gov.uk Why join us? By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you with the opportunity to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring – Lancashire County Council really is the place where you can have the career you've always wanted. In return for your passion and expertise, we also offer a generous benefits package which includes: A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and optional Additional Voluntary Contributions. A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which rises with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year. Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars. Job Description & Person Specification