Town Planning Manager

Are you an experienced Town Planning professional looking to make a meaningful impact? Join our Heritage & Building Maintenance team at the University of Oxford and play a key role in shaping the future of a globally renowned institution.

Location: The Malthouse, Oxford
Salary: £56,623 – £65,336 per annum with a discretionary range to £71,218 (depending on experience)
Contract: Full time, Permanent

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires", the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges.

Estates Services supports a diverse and complex estate of over 300 buildings, from world-class research facilities to historic landmarks. The Heritage & Building Maintenance team plays a vital role in ensuring these spaces are maintained, improved, and developed responsibly, balancing innovation with preservation while working collaboratively across the University and with external partners.

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as: 

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

As Town Planning Manager, you will be the University’s lead expert on planning matters, helping to deliver a wide range of development projects across a unique and complex estate. A rare opportunity to combine development management, planning policy, and operational planning in a single, high-impact role

You will lead the coordination of planning activity across the estate  including statutory consents, provide practical and strategic level advice to senior stakeholders as well as working closely with local authorities, consultants, and project teams to drive projects forward efficiently and compliantly. Your expertise will be critical in navigating planning regulations, managing risk, and unlocking successful project outcomes.

This is a highly collaborative, influential and visible role, offering the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, contribute to major capital projects, and play a part in balancing innovation with the preservation of Oxford’s built heritage.

About You

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in town planning, or a related field, with strong knowledge of UK planning systems
  • Proven experience managing planning applications and development management within a complex environment
  • Ability to build effective working relationships and communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Confidence in analysing information and providing clear, practical advice to support decision-making

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
  • Your CV
  • The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

Interviews will take place on 12 May 2026 and will be held face-to-face.

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