Vacancy Information

Hourly rate of pay: £17.04 – £18.45

Days and Hours of Work:
Monday – Friday, 09:00-17:00
Flexi time is applicable, and starting and finishing times are flexible
To start 1st August 2025.

A rare opportunity has arisen to manage and lead a high performing Planning Service.

You will need to have: outstanding organisational and communication skills; significant experience of working in the planning system at a senior level; an ability to work at a strategic level with senior colleagues from a wide range of partner organisations; sound knowledge of relevant key legislation and national guidance; and enthusiasm and commitment to high quality work and continuous service improvement.

East Lothian is a beautiful and varied landscape stretching from the coastline to the north across the agricultural plain to the Lammermuir Hills to the south. It is also an area undergoing significant development.

Based within the heart of the area at Haddington the role offers the potential for great work / life balance, with the flexibility of hybrid working. A great place to further develop your career, and take on senior management responsibility within a supportive and friendly environment.

Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for homeworking or hybrid working will be considered for this post, subject to a trial period and in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies which can be found here. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. All applicants must live in the UK and will be expected to attend Council offices from time to time as required.

Job Details

To ensure the co-ordinated management and delivery of the Planning service.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under ‘Job Attachments’) for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every ‘essential’ criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The ‘East Lothian Way’– values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Job Requirements

Relevant Qualifications
Degree in town planning or equivalent discipline recognised by RTPI.
Chartered membership of the RTPI.
Relevant post-graduate qualifications.
Continuing Professional Development evidence

Level 1 Disclosure Clearance
This role requires Level 1 Disclosure Clearance to allow access to the Public Sector Network. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.

Please note:
If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Deadline: 15th June 2025

Full details on how to apply here: https://myjobscotland.gov.uk/426311