Planning and sustainable development at Leeds City Council

The Roles


Salary: Up to £123,394

Leeds is a city that consistently exceeds expectations and contributes over and above to the wider UK economy. We continue to make our mark regionally, nationally and globally, powered by the broad range of talent and assets found in every corner of the city.

Our Leeds Ambitions set out a positive vision for the future of Leeds – one which recognises the amazing strengths and opportunities we have. Our economy is growing and continues to attract investment making Leeds a better place to do business and a great place to live. The partnerships which drive our efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our population are as good as you will find anywhere in the country. And Leeds is once again leading the way in demonstrating how we can meaningfully tackle climate change, recently being one of only 119 global cities to receive the highest ‘A grade’ by the Carbon Disclosure Project.

To realise our ambitions we need a planning professional with the energy, confidence and experience to deliver at scale. This is a key senior role which will set the spatial requirements for the development and management of this core city within a large geography.

Leeds is a city committed to inclusive growth and development, so you will play a critical strategic role within the council. In this position you will bring strong leadership and be strategically and operationally responsible for the council’s planning functions and the delivery of agreed outcomes, targets and objectives as determined by our Organisational Plan.

You will be confident in working with key partners at local, regional and national level and be adept at working in collaboration with colleagues and partners to support the delivery of real change across the city.

Candidates need to demonstrate:

  • Experience of leading and managing the planning functions in a major public sector or private sector organisation ensuring the delivery and improvement of services that meet the needs of citizens and stakeholders.
  • Evidence of leading, shaping and influencing innovative and commercially astute practice to maximise opportunities while realising efficiencies.
  • Experience of developing and managing a transparent framework for compliance with planning legislation and policy requirements at national, regional and local levels.
  • Experience of representing an organisation on a range of planning related matters at regional and national level.

For further information and a confidential discussion please contact:

Ali Tasker on 07514 728114 or Pete John 07701 305617

Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 9th November 2025

Apply for Chief Planning Officer role Chief Planning Officer Job Description

Head of Service Building Control 
Salary: Up to £77,020

If you are looking for a varied and exciting property portfolio with a forward-thinking council, then Leeds could be the place for you.

Due to the retirement of the current post holder, we are seeking a new Head of Service Building Control to lead our strong team in driving forward new policies, developing market and government facing credentials and bringing about the change needed to continue to deliver high standards in a national and global city.

With the leadership qualities and experience to build and lead strong professional teams, and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment you’ll bring the presence and confidence to deal with the broadest range of requirements and be ready to operate in a regional and global city.

A Building Control Degree or relevant demonstrable skills and experience in Building Control, Registered Building Inspector to a minimum level 2F and a member of a relevant Professional Body i.e. CABE, RICS, is essential. 

For a confidential discussion please contact:

Brian Gallagher 07716 098175

Closing Date: 11:59,pm Sunday 26th October 2025

Apply for Head of Service Building Control role Head of Service Building Control Job Description

 

Planning for growth

Leeds is on the up - home to a thriving economy and a growing population, with a bold vision for inclusive and sustainable growth. Our planning and sustainable development team plays a central role in shaping the physical, social and environmental fabric of the city, ensuring Leeds remains a vibrant, attractive place to live, work and invest now and for the long term.

We are seeking senior leaders with the strategic insight, professional credibility and collaborative mindset to help guide this transformation.

Shaping our city

For a stimulating and fulfilling planning career, look no further than Leeds. The district has a huge diversity of geographical character, with two-thirds classed as rural, and urban areas ranging from inner city neighbourhoods to green suburbs and outlying market towns. This variety offers a rich and complex environment for planning professionals.

A leadership role in planning at Leeds City Council offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future of a growing city, ensuring development reflects the needs and aspirations of all communities. Planning is a key lever for economic development and inclusive growth is central to our strategic priorities. Building on the strength of our partnerships in the region, we have a critical role to play in the delivery of vital infrastructure, from affordable housing to mass transit.

Building momentum

Over the past decade, Leeds has seen significant investment and development. Our planning teams have been instrumental in steering this progress, aligned with the council’s strategic priorities in our Leeds Ambitions – health and wellbeing, inclusive growth, strong communities and a sustainable city.

We are now entering a pivotal chapter with the next phase of the Leeds local plan. Public consultation with residents and businesses is underway and the feedback will inform the updated local plan, shaping future land use and development across the district. The plan will set out the council’s vision and strategy for sustainable growth to 2042, offering an exciting opportunity for senior leaders to influence the city’s future direction.

Planning and city development

Planning sits within the council’s City Development directorate, which spans the built environment, culture and economy of Leeds, driving strategy and delivering services to improve and enrich the lives of local people and visitors.

The directorate comprises:

  • Planning and sustainable development
  • Asset management and regeneration
  • Economy and skills, including culture and visitor economy
  • Highways and transportation
  • Markets and city centre management
  • Active Leeds (sports and leisure)

Our planning service covers a wide remit, from development control and building regulations to strategic planning, enforcement, and specialist advice on urban design, conservation, ecology, and contaminated land. We also manage statutory development plans, minerals and waste, the community infrastructure levy, and support neighbourhood planning.

We’re focused on maintaining the integrity of our city environment by ensuring development is appropriate, safe and respectful of our city’s history and ecology. Everything we do aims to shape our city’s future as a great place to live, work and visit, and we are looking for inspirational leaders with the experience and insight to drive forward our vision.

Building control: leading safety and quality

Everyone in our building control team has a part to play in driving quality of construction and the highest safety standards in one of the UK’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities. We’re a progressive team who stay ahead of the curve in terms of the latest construction trends and techniques.

We are now recruiting a Head of Service Building Control to lead our expert and dedicated team. This is a strategic leadership role with operational oversight, professional influence, and the opportunity to shape the future of construction standards in Leeds.

Innovation and impact

Our new Head of Service Building Control will lead a team of 25 registered building inspectors who handle over 3,000 building regulations applications per year with over 60% market share. We’re proud to provide colleagues with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers, creating a committed, adaptable team who are at the forefront of innovation in building practices and materials.

The work is varied, impactful and high-profile, covering construction standards at developments ranging from high-rise to housing schemes, as well as safety at world-class sports venues and major outdoor events. Current and upcoming projects include the proposed Elland Road stadium expansion, neighbourhood regeneration schemes, and preparations for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the annual Leeds Festival.

Planning in partnership

Our success depends on strong partnerships across the public, private and third sectors. We operate in a complex political, economic and cultural environment, requiring deep understanding of local government, regulatory frameworks and stakeholder engagement.

We value our positive and effective working relationships with key partners including:

  • West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
  • Private sector developers and enterprises

Internally, we work closely with colleagues in planning, housing, health and safety, and across the council to deliver joined-up solutions that reflect the needs of Leeds’ diverse communities.

Join Us

We are looking for inspirational leaders with specialist expertise, strategic vision and a commitment to public service. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious cities, driving sustainable development, enabling inclusive growth and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.