Digital Planning Project Manager

at  South Cambridgeshire District Council

JOB DESCRIPTION

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Planning Policy and Strategy Team for a fixed term Digital Planning Project Manager (1 year) to lead on a number of digital projects. There has never been a more thrilling time to work within the award winning Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service as we move forward with our Local Plan and develop innovative digital tools to engage with our communities.
The Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service is a shared service between South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City councils, operating in one of the UK’s most important economic areas. Since 2023, we have been awarded several rounds of government funding to develop and test digital tools, from an AI large language model to review and summarise consultation responses to using a 3d model of Cambridge to plan for our emerging site allocations. We have also taken a Digital First approach to our Local Plan, utilising digital tools and engagement software to maximise public participation in plan making.
We are looking for someone who will be able to deliver and manage a number of projects, which will include bringing some of our existing digital projects to a successful conclusion, procuring and developing a physical 3d model of Cambridge and coordinating the preparation of the Digital Local Plan and public consultation ahead of public engagement later this year. Whilst strong project management experience and organisational and administrative skills are important to be successful in this role, a background in planning, community engagement and/or digital projects would be highly advantageous.
You will also need to be a self-starter who has the confidence to work autonomously, whilst forming part of a close-knit and supportive team that delivers a range of projects.
Whilst this role primarily sits within the Planning Policy and Strategy Team, the successful candidate will need excellent communication skills as they work with colleagues across a large planning service, the wider Councils, appointed consultants and other key stakeholders including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). An important part of this role will be an ability to work positively with stakeholders, senior managers and elected members to deliver projects in line with the council’s priorities.
The shared planning service is very ambitious when it comes to digitising the planning system, streamlining our internal processes through new technology and maximising community participation. If you want to be at the forefront of our digital journey, then please get in touch.

In addition to the skills and knowledge set out in the Job Description, it is desirable for the Project Manager to have:

• Some knowledge of the plan making system, in particular the legislative requirements for community participation in plan making;
• Previous experience in working with data and an understanding of GDPR requirements including handling and managing sensitive data;
• An understanding of how to achieve good public participation

We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with our team working from our offices in central Cambridge and Cambourne as well as remotely. We typically come together in-person at our offices at least once a week. The successful candidate is expected to do this, to collaborate, share ideas and learn from each other.
South Cambridgeshire District Council currently operates four-day week working arrangements. A four day week is when full-time staff work one less day per week (four days instead of five) but still get paid the same salary. The idea is that we get 100% of our work done, in about 80% of the time, for 100% of the pay. The purpose is to deliver an excellent service to residents - whilst better supporting the health and wellbeing of our colleague. Read more about the four-day week at the Council.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Terry de Sousa, Planning Policy and Strategy Team Leader (07563 421289).
Closing Date: 9am 13 February 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday 26 February 2025

Please refer the Job description for details