Strategic Planning Manager

Wirral Group; Wirral; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wirral seeks a dedicated Strategic Planning Manager to lead initiatives that secure a prosperous future for the community. The role requires a leader who can build solid relationships and effectively manage heritage while guiding a dynamic planning team. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, initiative, and a passion for community service. Join us to make a meaningful difference at this pivotal time for our residents.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Staff discounts

28 days annual leave plus public holidays

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Proven record in strategic planning and leadership roles.
• Ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.
• Experience in community engagement and planning policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning initiatives while collaborating with team members.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders in development management.
• Manage the heritage team to protect building heritage in Wirral.

Skills

Leadership

Emotional intelligence

Relationship building

Job description

There has never been a more exciting time to join Wirral Council. We’ve got ambitious targets to meet and to achieve everything we have promised to our residents, we need people who are ready to deliver the very best for our communities and show how they can #BeTheDifference. Our vision is to secure the best possible future for our residents, defined by the community prosperity we create and supported by our excellent people and services. If you strive to #BeTheDifference and want to be at the heart of our change and improvement journey, then this could be the perfect job for you.

Strategic Planning Manager

We are looking for a tenacious leader to work with our Strategic Planners to take us forward into this new era of planning policy. We have a fully resourced team who have shown remarkable resilience in progressing our Local Plan to adoption in March 2025. We are looking for someone who is ready to scope a way forward, show initiative and act independently but with full support of the Chief Planner.

A critical part of the role will be building a solid relationship with the Development Management Manager to ensure there is a holistic approach to planning for Wirral in the future.

The role specifically recognises the importance of protecting building heritage in Wirral and the postholder will also manage the experienced and successful heritage team, as they seek to proactively manage the remarkable environment across Wirral. We also have ambition to develop the strategic service further and you would be a key part in shaping and realising that goal, bringing your own vision and passion.

And finally, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment, the strategic planning team sits at the heart of the service, surrounded by other planning colleagues. We are building strength, skill and positivity together and we need a leader who has presence and emotional intelligence to thrive in this culture, could that be you?

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact: [e-mail]

Interviews

Interviews to be held week commencing 12th January 2026.

Previous Applicants

Previous applicants need not apply.

Working at Wirral

Our values are more than just pieces of paper on our walls! We’ve all played a role in developing these, so they reflect the immense pride we have in what we do, what matters to us, what inspires us and inform how we think, approach things and behave.

We believe in ensuring staff are well looked after, staff wellbeing is a priority for us. We’re serious about recognising and rewarding people for the great things they do. You’ll benefit from our track record of developing, growing and investing in our people.

We have a range of staff benefits including staff discounts, an excellent pension scheme which includes a generous employer contribution rate, immediate life cover and ill‑health protection. We have a strong flexible working approach, hybrid working, family‑friendly employment initiatives and an annual leave package starting with 28 days leave plus public holidays.

We have an inclusive, engaged culture, everyone has a voice, everyone is valued for their contribution and understands the role they play in delivering our strategic priorities.

Each voice is heard, each contribution valued. We embrace diversity in our workforce and recognise it is critical to our success. We support an inclusive culture that champions differences and nurtures a sense of belonging. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds, who share our values and our commitment to inclusion to apply for roles with us.

If you’d like us to do anything differently during the recruitment process to make it barrier‑free and as accessible as possible please contact [e-mail]

Internal Candidates

As a part of our Talent Strategy, we’re committed to strengthening opportunities for existing council employees to learn, grow, progress and thrive. Please get in touch if you want to know more about some of the ways in which we could support you by emailing [e-mail]

Gatekeeping Policies

Please note that, in accordance with the Council’s policy, employees who are in a formal redeployment situation will be considered in the first instance for all vacancies.

It is Council policy not to re‑appoint any employee who has left under the terms of the Council's Early Voluntary Retirement (EVR) scheme or who has left with a voluntary severance (VS) package, unless in exceptional circumstances.

Important Information

Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. Applications can only be accepted through the Jobs page following registration. Forms received via the post will not be processed.

All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK. Details of required documents can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Jobs page.

The job description and other supporting documents will not be accessible once the vacancy closing date has passed, so if a copy is required you should download it now.

We do not accept applications or CV’s from recruitment agencies, unless otherwise stated. Therefore, any candidates submitted via a recruitment agency will not be considered for this role.

How To Apply

Please apply online by clicking the link below.