Strategic Planning Manager; Development Viability

Good Growth

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Manage a high performing, dedicated and supportive team in GLA Planning and Regeneration working at the interplay between strategic policy and developments across London.
• Work at the frontline of affordable housing delivery within the planning and development system to contribute to the Mayor’s strategic aims and to help address London’s housing crisis.
• You will manage the Viability Team and work with other relevant areas of the GLA to ensure that affordable housing provision is maximised and provide expert advice to the Mayor to inform his decision making.

• You will provide advice on S106 agreements for referable applications to ensure that affordable housing provision and viability review mechanisms are robustly secured in line with the Mayor’s requirements.
• You will provide expert development viability advice and training to the Planning Unit, other GLA teams and external organisations to promote best practice in viability testing and maximise affordable housing provision in London.
• You will work alongside members of the London Plan to assist in the development of strategic policies as part of a new London Plan.
• You will lead the production of viability analysis which will serve as an evidence base document for the new London Plan.
• You will assist in the production of briefing notes, the commissioning and management of external consultancy services and in responses and processes of engagement with key stakeholders leading up to and during the Examination in Public of the new London Plan.
• You will develop your skills, knowledge and experience in a broad range of policy areas and viability assessments, and your work will assist in the delivery of a new London Plan to deliver sustainable development across London.

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of national, regional and London strategic planning and development issues and trends.
• Excellent communication skills and evidence of ability to prepare clear and concise reports, presentations and briefings, including an ability to illustrate ideas through mapping and graphics presentations.
• Technical knowledge in the theory and practice of viability appraisals including relevant planning viability guidance and professional guidance.
• Experience of reviewing Financial Viability Assessments for large‑scale strategic planning applications and successfully leading on affordable housing and review mechanisms negotiations in S106 agreements.
• Possession of a degree in surveying or planning and/or a post graduate qualification with eligibility for Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors or Royal Town Planning Institute membership, or equivalent and post qualification experience in planning, viability or S106 negotiations.
• Project management experience and skills focused on the delivery of a Local Plan, development brief, supplementary planning document, development infrastructure assessments, Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks or growth-related Area Action Plans.
• Experience of public consultation, appeal inquiries and examination in public and expertise in supporting presentations and evidence production.
• Experience of either undertaking a detailed review or supporting upon the delivery of an area‑wide financial viability assessment.

Is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 3 indicators of effective performance

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives.
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering…