Description
Principal Policy Planner | Local Authority
12-Month Contract | 28 Hours Per Week | £62 per hour Umbrella | Hybrid
We are currently supporting a well-established local authority in Berkshire to appoint an experienced Principal Policy Planner on an initial 12-month contract.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning policy professional to play a key role in the preparation and implementation of a new Local Plan, supporting the delivery of high-quality, sustainable development and placemaking across the Borough.
Working closely with the Planning Policy Manager, you will provide senior technical expertise, lead key planning policy workstreams and contribute to the development of the evidence base underpinning the new Local Plan.
The Role
As Principal Policy Planner, you will:
- Lead key workstreams relating to the preparation of the new Local Plan, including the development of the supporting evidence base.
- Provide specialist planning policy advice and technical expertise to the Planning Policy Manager and wider Planning Service.
- Take the lead on at least one specialist area of planning policy.
- Contribute to high-quality, sustainable development and placemaking across the Borough.
- Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, Parish Councillors, elected Members, Council services and the Corporate Leadership Team.
- Deputise for the Planning Policy Manager when required and provide guidance and support to more junior members of the Planning Policy team.
- Attend Council, Cabinet, scrutiny and other meetings, providing professional advice on planning policy, legislation and decision-making.
- Work closely with Duty to Cooperate partners and external professional consultants.
- Support the effective delivery and monitoring of specialist planning projects.
About You
We are looking for an experienced planning policy professional with:
- A degree and/or postgraduate qualification in Planning or a related discipline.
- RTPI Chartered Membership or equivalent.
- Extensive post-qualification experience within planning and local government.
- Strong experience of working within planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
- A thorough understanding of the current Plan Making system and planning legislation.
- Experience of writing planning policy documents and developing evidence bases.
- Experience of giving evidence under cross-examination, including at Examination in Public.
- Experience presenting at public meetings and representing a local planning authority.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-working skills.
- The ability to operate confidently within a political environment.
- Strong project management, leadership and communication skills.
- A specialist area of planning policy that you can take ownership of and lead.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior planning policy professional to take a leading role in a significant Local Plan programme while working within a collaborative and established Planning Service.
Contract: 12 months
Hours: 28 hours per week
Rate: Approx. £62 per hour Umbrella
Location: Berkshire
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Please note: a valid driving licence and the ability to work occasional unsocial hours are required for this position.