Council: Oxfordshire County Council

Contract: 3–6 months

Working arrangements: Hybrid; one or two days per month in the office

Rate: £45–£55 per hour (senior candidates considered)

Start: Late February to early March

Oxfordshire County Council are seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to support strategic sites and Local Plan work across the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse area. This is a key consultation focused role, bringing together multiple stakeholders to progress complex planning matters at a critical stage.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a central role in coordinating and advising on strategic developments and the Local Plan. The Local Plan has recently been submitted for consultation and is expected to move to examination in the summer, so this role will be closely involved in that process.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on strategic sites and Local Plan related work for the South Oxfordshire and Vale area
• Acting as a key point of liaison between district councils, internal county council teams and external stakeholders
• Coordinating weekly district council liaison meetings
• Arranging and attending Planning Performance Agreement meetings with applicants to help secure funding where appropriate
• Briefing cabinet members and senior stakeholders
• Engaging directly with developers, consultants and internal technical experts
• Supporting consultation activity and ensuring all parties are aligned on strategic priorities
• Working closely with an experienced team member who will provide support and continuity

This is ultimately a consultation and coordination role, requiring strong relationship management and the ability to bring together diverse interests on complex planning matters.

About You

They are seeking an experienced planner with:

• Significant experience as a planner, ideally within a local authority setting (county, district or unitary)
• Strong background in planning policy and/or development management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confidence engaging with senior officers, elected members, developers and external partners
• NSIP experience is desirable but not essential

Both full time and part time candidates will be considered, and senior level candidates are welcome to apply.

How to apply:

For more information or a confidential conversation, please call Daniel Baker on 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert.