Wessex Strategic Planning Manager

Salary: £73,757 - £78,488 per annum

Hours per week: 37 hours

Interview date: Monday 10 August 2026 at Salisbury, Bourne Hill

Wiltshire Council is seeking an experienced and collaborative Strategic Planning Manager to lead regional planning across the Wessex area.

You will play a central role in delivering a Regional Spatial Development Strategy for the Wessex Partnership (Wiltshire, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Dorset and Somerset Councils). This is a high-profile post working at the heart of place shaping, helping to set the long-term direction for housing, infrastructure, the environment and economic growth across the region.

You will oversee the development of the strategy from evidence gathering through to delivery, ensuring alignment with national policy and local priorities. You will work closely with senior officers, elected Members and strategic partners across the partnership to manage complex cross-boundary issues and build strong, effective relationships.

This role requires a confident leader with significant experience in planning policy, programme management and partnership working. You will be required to provide regular updates to the partnership board, and you will be comfortable operating in a politically sensitive environment with the ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level. You will demonstrate strong analytical skills, a clear strategic mindset and the ability to deliver complex work to demanding timescales.

You will be educated to degree level in a relevant subject and be a member of, or eligible for, the Royal Town Planning Institute.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Wessex region and make a lasting impact on our communities.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

Nic Thomas, Director of Planning, Economy and Regeneration, at [email protected].  

Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.

Application criteria

Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.