ROLE PROFILE

Job Title /

SERVICE DIRECTOR, PLANNING & TRANSPORT

Post Number / TBA
Service Group / Planning and Transport
Accountable to / Corporate Leadership Team, headed by the Chief Executive
Grade / Chief Officer
Date / April 2014 / Number of Post Holders / 1

Purpose of Role

To be the Council’s Chief Planning Officer, ensuring that members are supported in developing and adopting a clear long term spatial vision for the Borough and associated planning policy documents; that decisions on planning applications are made in an appropriate and timely manner and in a way that contributes to the achievement of that vision and policy; and that investors and developers are facilitated in bringing forward appropriate investment and development, including through the co-ordination of relevant infrastructure and the creation of site specific development briefs.

To support the development and adoption of a clear long term Transport Strategy for the Borough, incorporating a range of initiatives to promote and encourage positive non-car choices and which can both inform and support the achievement of the broader spatial vision for the Borough; and to oversee the identification, prioritisation, resourcing and commissioning of major transport infrastructure projects (in consultation with Local Transport Body/Local Enterprise Partnership partners and colleagues in Strategic Finance).

Key Objectives

1 / Important role in shaping the Council’s vision for growth and delivering that vision, including through securing appropriate Works in Kind/contributions from developers and coordinating the delivery of strategic sites and projects
2 / Ensure the Council has an appropriate and up to date suite of Development Plan Documents
3 / Prepare the ground for the development and publication of a new draft ‘Local Plan’ – Plan:MK – in 2015/16
4 / Support the evolution of the Council’s Transport Strategy to ensure its compatibility with Plan:MK; and enable the implementation of that strategy
5 / In line with the overall Transport Strategy promote smarter (sustainable) travel choices and support the Council’s Low Carbon aspirations and transport innovations
6 / Achieve realistic targets for Development Management and ensure that applications are determined in accordance with Local and National planning policy whilst delivering high quality sustainable development..
7 / Support local communities in developing sound Neighbourhood Plans; work with Milton Keynes Development Partnership and other developers to prepare Development Briefs for major sites; encourage effective community engagement
8 / Fulfil the service leadership role and corporate leadership role of a member of the senior leadership team to meet the requirements of ‘One Council’.
9 / Identify, protect, manage and promote MK’s physical and natural heritage

Scope

The role holder will be the key interface with Members regarding the aspirations and issues for the Planning and Transport service. This will require attendance at decision making and Select Committees. As a senior officer of the Council, the role holder will be responsible for promoting and achieving integration of Planning and Transport services across all Council services. This will involve leading and participating in a range of cross function matrix working and delivery situations, designed to deliver added value and optimised delivery/performance both within and externally to the role holder’s own function/service group.

A key element will be the development of relationships with other organisations with particular interest in the services, including Town and Parish Councils, consultative groups and private-sector businesses that benefit from Planning and Transport Services or are involved in the delivery of associated services within the Milton Keynes area.

The positive impact of the role is a major contribution to optimising the quality of the Milton Keynes environment and the experience of residents, businesses and visitors. Failure to deliver Planning and Transport Services effectively will have adverse impacts on services to the public, the quality of the area, the perception of the Council and its brand, the level of complaints and other criticism received, and the way in which the Council and the area is portrayed by the media.

Main accountabilities

In fulfilling the objectives of the post, the post holder is accountable for the following services and/or corporate functions:

1 / Development Plans
2 / Transport
3 / Infrastructure Coordination, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture
4 / Development Management (including Conservation and Archaeology)

Corporate Leadership Role

As members of the Council’s senior leadership team, Service Directors have collaborative and individual responsibilities to be fulfilled in a ’One Council’ context.

The key elements are:

1 / Collective and strategic responsibility for working on a collegiate basis with the Chief Executive, the Corporate Leadership Team and other senior managers, and in partnership with the Cabinet, other elected members and external partners, to develop strategies and policies to achieve the Council’s corporate priorities, live within available resources and secure improved outcomes for the community.
2 / Individual accountability to CLT and other relevant stakeholders for the achievement of target outcomes (as expressed in Service Plan objectives) for the relevant service group and the effective management of revenue and capital projects, budgets, human resources, business continuity and risk in order to achieve those objectives. Provide visible and accessible leadership for the Service Group.
3 / Active engagement with transformation and change programmes to shape the organisation as it evolves; constantly scanning the environment for opportunities to embed the One Council approach and identifying effective strategies to challenge resistance. Model those behaviours that are conducive to continuous improvement and the positive management of change.
4 / Application of corporate systems, frameworks and relevant statutory requirements to meet agreed standards for managing people, budgets, services, programmes and projects, health and safety, risk, and fulfilment of all the requirements of the senior manager role in Milton Keynes Council.
5 / Lead, manage and develop effective relationships with contractors and partners, ensuring the Council’s outcome requirements are clearly specified, delivery is monitored and managed, and performance standards met.
6 / Commit to and model for other employees the Council’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Follow the Council’s safeguarding policies and procedures and behave appropriately towards children and vulnerable adults at all times, both in work and in their personal lives.
7 / Ensure the service group meets corporate equalities requirements; promoting the Council’s equalities and diversity policies within the organisation, with partners and in all aspects of the role; ensuring that the services provided by Milton Keynes Council meet the needs of its diverse population and customer base.
8 / Contribute to meeting the Council’s emergency planning responsibilities.
9 / Adopt sustainable working practices and targets both in terms of how services are delivered but also in respect of the way in which the organisation consumes materials and energy.
10 / Engage with the development of the Council’s approach to Public Access; strengthen and continuously improve the way we inform, interact with and make services accessible to the community; facilitate and embed an effective customer service culture across the whole organisation.

Work Profile

In common with other Service Directors and as a member of the senior leadership team, the role provides visible leadership and promotion of the Council’s aims, objectives and priorities and will be responsible for communicating strategic service issues within the organisation and externally.

The post-holder, as lead for Planning & Transport, has primary responsibility for public policies and services that have direct daily relevance to all those in Milton Keynes:

  • Development Management, including achieving upper quartile performance in determining major, minor and other planning and associated applications, appeals and the final say on enforcement; the identification, protection, management and promotion of physical and natural heritage; and the land charges service
  • Development Plans, including building on the recently adopted Core Strategy, preparing to develop a new ‘Local Plan’ style, Plan:MK, delivering other Local Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents in line with the Local Development Scheme, commissioning and managing relevant consultancy input as required
  • Transport, including the planning and implementation of strategic transport interventions, promoting a range of viable and sustainable alternatives to car use and supporting transport innovations;
  • Infrastructure Coordination, including delivering a high quality, cost-effective urban design and landscape architecture service both to the Council and external customers and facilitating the delivery of strategic developments and infrastructure to support the growth of Milton Keynes.

The role is responsible for a gross revenue budget of £11.3m (2014/15) and projects with a capital value of £10m to £15m per annum depending on delivery requirements.

Job Context

Person Specification

The method of assessment during recruitment processes will be via application form, interview, testing, and reference.

Education and Training
Qualifications – Planning (Essential): degree or postgraduate diploma in town and country planning, recognised by the RTPI; and Management (Desirable), e.g. MBA
Substantial evidence of continuing professional development
Experience
Significant people management experience, in a large complex organisation, with substantial evidence of knowledge and understanding of the public sector.
Able to demonstrate a successful track record in strategic spatial planning and relevant experience in planning policy, transport planning, development management including conservation and archaeology, urban design and facilitating the delivery of complex strategic developments.
A track record of achieving significant improvements in service performance.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of planning and transport legislation and policy.
Extensive experience of operating in a complex political environment and able to demonstrate the communication and influencing skills necessary to succeed.
Demonstrable commitment to engaging effectively with local communities.
Demonstrable ability to engage effectively with regional and national bodies including national government
Key Competences
Creates a compelling future
Able to articulate a clear vision for the future that individuals can identify and align to
Positively engages with and influences stakeholders both internal and external
Demonstrates a clear understanding of and involvement with the external environment
Demonstrates behaviours that are consistent with our values and ‘One Council’ aspiration
Inspires others to lead
Demonstrates a proven track record of attracting, developing and promoting talent.
Successful and active involvement in coaching and mentoring colleagues to achieve their potential
Able to fulfil the role of a ‘critical friend’ that colleagues will seek out for guidance
Evidence of creating a working environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and acted upon
Consistently demonstrates integrity and delivers on commitments
Empowers individuals to take responsibility and accountability
Delivers excellence for the customer
Constantly strives to improve service delivery
Demonstrates a clear understanding of customer need through active engagement
Open to new ideas and actively seeks out best practice; proactively shares knowledge and lessons learned
Effective at ensuring excellent service delivery, balanced by cost effectiveness and financial management
Evidences success in leading and embedding complex change programmes
Demonstrates a proven ability to balance conflicting demands of elected member led priorities, customer requirements and sound commercial judgement.
Takes accountability for making it happen
Demonstrates the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity.
Evidences effective approach to performance management at team member and service level.
Demonstrates the ability to influence stakeholder and negotiate effectively to achieve a ‘win/win’ situation
Evidences a successful track record of delivery.
Fosters effective relationships to drive service delivery
Manages Resources
Maintains clarity about organisational and /or partnership priorities and how to use resources to achieve them
Manages multi-disciplinary teams effectively, co-ordinating effort, giving direction, managing poor performance and getting the best out of people.
Manages large complex budgets in a system of devolved financial management and in the context of corporate frameworks
Manages risks in line with shared goals and corporate risk management principles
Ensures corporate people management standards are applied fairly and consistently
Values and promotes diversity
Able to be flexible and willing to undertake a range of tasks to meet the Council’s objectives; willing to work the hours required for the successful completion of those objectives.

Other requirements (please tick those that apply):


1 / This post is a politically restricted post. / 
2 / This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Declaration check will be required prior to appointment.
3 / This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure check will be required prior to appointment. Following the introduction of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure check, without the Barred List component will be required.
4 / Able to travel effectively to meet the requirements of the role / 
5 / Able to respond to out of hours situations to meet unexpected requirements / 
Other, please specify

Additional Information - Leadership Competencies

Creates a compelling future

  • Ability to articulate a clear vision that individuals can identify and align to
  • Positively engages with and influences stakeholders both internal and external
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of and involvement with the external environment
  • Behaviours are consistent with our values and ‘One Council’ aspiration

Inspires others to lead

  • Recognised as a leader who develops and promotes talent across the Council
  • Activity involved in coaching and mentoring colleagues to achieve their potential
  • Known as a ‘critical friend’ that colleagues will seek out for guidance
  • Creates an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and acted upon
  • Consistently demonstrates integrity and delivers on commitments
  • Empowers individuals to take responsibility and accountability

Delivers excellence for the customer

  • Constantly strives to improve service delivery
  • Demonstrates a clear understanding of customer need through active engagement
  • Open to new ideas and actively seeks out best practice
  • Proactively shares knowledge and lessons learned
  • Effective at balanced, excellent service delivery, cost effectiveness and financial management

Takes accountability for making it happen

  • Ability to manage ambiguity and complexity. Identifies potential barriers and has the adaptability to overcome them
  • Demonstrates the ability to influence stakeholders and negotiate effectively to achieve a ‘win win’ situation
  • Fosters effective relationships to drive service delivery
  • Embeds effective processes to manage and enhance performance at a team member and service level