Thames Valley Strategic Planning DirectorCouncil
Could you shape the future of the Thames Valley?
We are looking for a Thames Valley Strategic Planning Director, which is a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead one of the region’s most ambitious place-shaping agendas: developing a Spatial Development Strategy and a long-term investment plan that will influence growth, infrastructure, housing, climate resilience and economic prosperity for decades to come.
Bracknell Forest Council will be the host authority for this position.
This role includes an expectation to work in person across the Thames Valley area 2-3 days per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
About you…
As Strategic Planning Director, you will work at the highest levels across local authorities, government, infrastructure providers, investors and communities to turn a shared vision into deliverable programmes. You will bring strategic clarity, professional credibility and political awareness to complex, multi-authority arrangements, helping partners make bold, evidence-led decisions about how the Thames Valley grows.
We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with deep expertise in strategic planning, infrastructure, investment and place-based growth. You will be confident advising elected Members and senior partners, leading multi-disciplinary teams, navigating contested issues and building consensus without losing pace or ambition.
If you want to shape a nationally significant growth agenda, influence investment and leave a lasting legacy for the Thames Valley, this is your moment. Bring vision, judgement and drive and help create a more connected, sustainable and prosperous region.
Key responsibilities…
You will lead on the following core strategies, please refer to the job description for full details:
Spatial Development Strategy (SDS)
Investment & Infrastructure Planning
Evidence, Analytics and Land Use
Partnership, Governance and Influence
Leadership and Organisational Development
Our benefits…
27 days annual leave increasing to 32 days after 3 years’ continuous service.
Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
Paid employee volunteering scheme.
Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
Reimbursement of one annual professional subscription/registration.
Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.
Our values...
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments...
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting [email protected]. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment...
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive employer. This means that if you tell us on your application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Interview date
Interviews will be held on Friday 9th October 2026.
Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.
We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Andrew Hunter - Executive Director: Place
Email: [email protected]
or
Sue Halliwell - Chief Executive
Email: [email protected]
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.