Assistant Director - Planning

 

 

Location: Coventry

Salary: £98,600 - £108,855

Reference: A001176

Status:

Coventry is a city with ambition, innovation and a proud record of delivering transformational change. We are seeking an exceptional planning professional to lead our Planning Service at a pivotal moment for the city and the wider region.

As Coventry's Chief Planning Officer, you will provide strategic leadership across planning policy, development management, enforcement, ecology, urban design and heritage, shaping the future growth and prosperity of a city of almost 400,000 residents. You will play a critical role in driving sustainable development, delivering housing and regeneration ambitions, supporting inward investment and ensuring planning is a key enabler of economic growth.

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead the adoption of Coventry's Local Plan review, help shape emerging regional planning arrangements and use planning as a catalyst for place-making, infrastructure delivery and decarbonisation. Working closely with senior leaders, elected members, developers, investors and regional partners, you will navigate complex political and strategic challenges while championing innovative approaches, technology and service improvement.

We are looking for a visible, collaborative and influential leader with deep planning expertise, strong political awareness and a track record of delivering results in complex environments. In return, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on one of the UK's most forward-thinking and ambitious cities, helping to shape Coventry's future for generations to come.


To apply:

To apply for this job please visit the Coventry City Council Jobs portal (add link). Please note: you can only submit one application through the portal - we strongly advise you speak to our advising consultants before submitting.

With your CV, please also provide the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be contacted if you reach the final stages, and we will not contact referees without your permission.

Your supporting statement should express why you are interested in this role and what experience you can bring to the organisation. The statement should tackle the specific requirements of the role; outlining examples and outcomes showing how you meet those requirements.

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.  

Our Values are: 

ONE_COV_infographic.jpg

For a confidential discussion about the role please contact:

Dawn Faulkner
Email: dfaulkner@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

Rob Naylor
Email: rnaylor@faerfield.co.uk
Phone: 0121 312 3755

Indicative timetable:

Closing date for applications:
Wednesday 4 November 2026

Technical Interviews:
w/c Monday 16 November 2026

Assessment Centre and Final Interviews:
w/c Monday 30 November 2026

Please let us know as soon as possible if there are any interview dates on which you are likely to be unavailable.

Faerfield