Head of Planning and Building Standards (10829) - CNS06559


Company:	Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Salary:	£71,155 to £77,618 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Lewis, HS1 2BW
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	1 Oct 2026
Closing date:	19 Oct 2026

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Summary

ADVERT

Head of Planning and Building Standards Services (10829)

37 hours per week, permanent post

£71,155 - £77,618 per annum, inclusive of £2,997 Distant Islands Allowance

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Planning and Building Standards Services to provide strategic leadership, management and professional direction for the Comhairle’s Planning and Building Standards Services, including Marine Planning. The postholder will act as the Comhairle’s principal professional adviser on planning, placemaking and spatial development matters and fulfil the statutory role of Chief Planning Officer.

You will provide leadership and strategic direction across the service, ensuring the effective delivery of the Comhairle’s statutory Planning and Building Standards functions. Responsibilities will include leading spatial policy and place-based strategies, overseeing service performance and improvement, advising on planning applications and appeals where required, and representing the Comhairle with government, statutory agencies, professional bodies, communities and other stakeholders.

You should have in-depth knowledge of relevant planning legislation and the statutory functions of a Planning Authority, together with knowledge of Building Standards functions and the national planning improvement framework. You will have substantial relevant planning experience, strong leadership and management skills, and the ability to provide strategic advice, manage change and service improvement, and communicate complex information effectively to a range of audiences.

You must be educated to degree level and hold Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute, enabling you to discharge the statutory function of Chief Planning Officer. A minimum of five years’ experience within a Planning Policy or Development Management role, preferably at a senior level, is also essential. You must be willing and able to travel inter-island and off island as required.

Closing Date: Monday 19 October 2026

Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade.

Please note that sponsorship is not available, or being offered, in connection to this post.

PRIOR TO APPLYING

It is vital that you download and read all of the attached documents to this advert before completing an application form.

Guidance Notes for Applicants

will explain our recruitment process and how to complete key information on your application so that you have the best chance of showcasing your skills and experience.

Job Description and Person Specification

must be read in order to complete the ‘Experience’ part of the application. You should refer to the person specification and detail where you meet each of the criteria and provide relevant examples of this in your application.

If either of the attachments mentioned above are missing or cannot be opened, please email

human.resources@cne-siar.gov.uk to request copies before applying for this position.

Download and save the job description, person specification and any additional documents from the vacancy job advert as you will be unable to access these once the vacancy has closed.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

, such as Copilot and ChatGPT, may be used to support your application preparation, for example by generating ideas or checking spelling and grammar. However, all application responses must be your own work and accurately reflect your knowledge, skills and abilities, experience, qualifications, and achievements.

Applications that appear to rely heavily on AI-generated content may not be progressed. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is authentic and based on your own experience.

Application Updates:

Please ensure your email address is entered correctly, as all correspondence regarding your application will be sent by email. We also recommend checking your inbox, junk folder, and your

MyJobScotland

account regularly for updates.

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