Job Title: Project Manager - Local Plan and Planning Transformation

Location: Hybrid working with 1 -2 days in the Kettering office (Can be flexible)

Rate of Pay: Negotiable

Working Hours: Full time hours

Type: Temporary Role - 3 - 6 Months

Opus People Solutions are working with North Northamptonshire Council to recruit for a Project Manager - Local Plan and Planning Transformation.

Job Purpose:

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated Project Manager to lead and coordinate the delivery of our Local Plan and support the ongoing transformation of the Planning service. This includes the development of new systems, a staff restructure, and drafting key planning guidance documentation. This is a pivotal role at the heart of modernising planning across the authority, requiring strong project leadership, a high degree of autonomy, and excellent communication and documentation skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Manage and coordinate the development and delivery of the North Northamptonshire Local Plan in line with statutory requirements and strategic objectives.
• Manage the planning transformation project, including timelines, stakeholder engagement, and change management processes.
• Oversee and support the development and implementation of new systems and processes to enhance planning service delivery.
• Draft professional, clear, and accessible planning guidance documents for use by planning staff.
• Collaborate with senior managers to support and coordinate the planning service restructure.
• Prepare job descriptions, person specifications, and role profiles for new posts within the planning team.
• Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and resource needs to senior stakeholders and elected members.
• Work independently, using initiative to identify issues, propose solutions, and drive delivery.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in project management, ideally in organisational transformation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for policy and guidance documents.
• Knowledge or background in planning policy or development management.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems and deliver outcomes.
• Experience in supporting or managing organisational transformation or service redesign.
• Comfortable working with cross-functional teams and managing competing priorities.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in local government or public sector
• Understanding of local government structures and planning reform in England.

Key Attributes:

• Self-starter with the ability to work autonomously.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a positive approach to change.
• Detail-oriented but capable of strategic thinking.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and political awareness.

For more information or to process your application for this role, please apply online now.