An exciting time to join Forest of Dean District Council
Forest of Dean District Council is passionate about creating a vibrant and sustainable future for our communities. Our priorities are centred on fostering resilient and inclusive communities that are motivated and competent to adapt to the challenges and opportunities ahead. We are committed to decarbonisation and nature recovery, with a view to protecting and enhancing our superb natural environment. Additionally, we strive to build a sustainable economy through the promotion of a circular economy, robust business support, workforce skill development, sustainable town initiatives, and the preservation of natural capital.
Our range of place shaping services are fundamental to the success of the council’s ambition for a Fairer Greener Forest. Our focus is on sustainable development to enable our existing communities and future generations to thrive, creating great places for people to live, work, learn and enjoy in our ever-evolving communities. Now is a fantastic time to be joining us as we reach a critical stage in our local plan review and our place shaping work for the benefit of the local area and beyond.
We are now seeking a dynamic and strategic Forward Planning Manager to lead and deliver our Local Plan and broader place-shaping ambitions. This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take ownership of the Council’s forward planning function – leading on the preparation, delivery, monitoring, and review of the Local Plan and associated policy documents that will guide our district through change and opportunity.
As Forward Planning Manager, you will play a central role in shaping the long-term development of the Forest of Dean. You will lead a team of planners, drawing in specialists and consultants to deliver robust, effective, and locally distinctive planning policy in line with statutory requirements and corporate goals.
Key responsibilities
- Leading and project managing the production of the Local Plan and related documents, including evidence base, research, and monitoring.
- Providing clear leadership to staff, managing team resources and workloads, and promoting a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Working cross-functionally with services such as development management, ecology, climate change, strategic housing, and communications to align planning policy with wider priorities.
- Applying best-practice project and performance management techniques to ensure timely delivery of plan-making milestones and targets.
- Overseeing the team budget, recruitment, and staff development, while identifying and securing additional funding opportunities to enhance digital planning and engagement processes.
- Preparing and presenting reports and recommendations to Council Cabinet, Committees, and Portfolio Holders, and acting as expert witness at Local Plan examinations, appeals, and hearings.
- Leading the Council’s engagement in discussions and ensuring strategic planning issues with neighbouring Councils and partner organisations.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience working across Forward Planning functions.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to identify and drive collaborative opportunities with neighbouring authorities and key stakeholders.
- Political sensitivity and confidence engaging with elected members, communities, town and parish councils, and developers.
- A deep understanding of strategic planning frameworks including cross-boundary planning.
- Strong foresight and the ability to scan for future policy, legal, or regulatory changes and respond appropriately.
- Up-to-date knowledge of planning legislation and the ability to lead the Council’s response to legal or policy changes.
- Strong digital awareness and enthusiasm for driving innovation and service improvement through technology.
Special Conditions
- Full UK Driving License with access to a vehicle for work purposes
- BPSS
- This post designated as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Politically restricted post holders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament.
For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.
What can we do for you
- Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
- 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service
- In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice
- Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
- Generous contributory local government pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
- Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
Terms and conditions apply
These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!
If you feel this is the role for you please email your CV and supporting statement detailing how you meet the criteria above by clicking on the ‘Apply for this Position’ icon within this page.
Your application will not be considered if you have not provided a supporting statement, in addition to your CV.
Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.
Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.