London Plan Manager

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for developing and effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

About the team

The London Plan and Strategic Planning team sits at the heart of the Mayor’s strategic policy, at an exciting time of national change. The team works across the GLA and TfL, drawing on the knowledge and experience across the GLA family. This year, we are developing the next London Plan, working towards examination in 2027. We also advise on implementation of the London Plan, planning reform and legislation, strategic planning and Mayoral opinions on general conformity of London’s many local plans.

About the role

Join our management team and help lead London’s strategic planning policy including the Mayor’s London Plan.

You’ll use your extensive planning experience, judgement and knowledge to lead your teams to deliver a programme of guidance, evidence and, of course the London Plan. From leading conversations and engagement with government, stakeholders and communities, to working closely with Deputy Mayors and colleagues across the GLA, Transport for London and other Mayoral bodies, no two days will be alike.

You’ll be one of two managers, motivating and supporting your talented and hard-working teams. As an emotionally intelligent leader, you’ll provide constructive feedback and develop their skills and capabilities, ensuring they’re able to perform at their best, delivering the teams’ priorities.

We need someone who thrives in complex and challenging professional environments; a skilled communicator and wordsmith, able to quickly get to the heart of a problem; and a decisive and pragmatic leader. You’ll have a successful track record of both policy development and statutory planning management, including management experience of examination or inquiry.

You’ll be a natural collaborator, with a strong understanding of inclusion and a passion for promoting equality and diversity in all you do.

What your day will look like

Leading on preparation of the new London Plan

Developing and establishing processes and project management for plan-making

Leading and advising on national planning reform

Supporting your teams as an experienced planner and leader

Representing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at examinations, committees, meetings and events

Problem solving and collaborating across strategic planning matters

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

Possession of a degree in planning or a related discipline, or post-graduate qualification with eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) and post qualification senior level experience in planning, or a related team or department.

A high level of expertise in, and authoritative understanding of the spectrum of national, regional and London strategic spatial planning issues, legal processes and policy trends and a sound knowledge of local planning issues and processes and experience in the development of complex and high profile statutory frameworks and plan-making.

Experience of working at a high level in a complex political environment and ability to command confidence. A good track record of giving high level professional advice on complex and/or sensitive issues and ability to communicate effectively through clear and persuasive oral, written and personal presentations to a range of different audiences.

Strong leadership and relationship skills, including demonstrable experience of managing and motivating teams and promoting a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Demonstrable ability to lead and manage the preparation of materials and evidence for Examinations in Public / inquiries and to lead staff through complex processes and in high pressure environments.

Awareness and understanding of challenges and complexities around policy implementation and evidence of strong creative, problem-solving skills