Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer
Location: North East England
Contract: 6 Months
Opportunity: Play a crucial role in delivering a new Local Plan and help shape the future of the planning policy team.
Be a key player in shaping the future of the North East.
We’re working with a local authority in the North East looking to bring in an experienced Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer on an initial 6-month contract.
This is an exciting opportunity to become a crucial member of the planning policy team, playing a hands-on role in progressing a new Local Plan and helping drive forward one of the authority’s key strategic priorities.
You’ll be joining at an important stage in the plan-making process, where your expertise, ideas and input will genuinely matter. Working closely with senior colleagues and the wider team, you’ll help turn strategic ambitions into deliverable planning policy, while contributing to the development and growth of the service.
The Role
You’ll be central to the preparation and progression of the new Local Plan, bringing strong technical knowledge, practical experience and the ability to take ownership of key pieces of work.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Playing a key role in preparing, developing and progressing the authority’s new Local Plan.
- Leading on planning policy projects, evidence base work and policy development.
- Providing high-quality planning policy advice to colleagues, senior officers and stakeholders.
- Supporting consultation, engagement and the wider plan-making process.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the council and external partners to move priorities forward.
- Helping strengthen the wider planning policy team, sharing knowledge and supporting effective ways of working.
- Taking ownership of key workstreams and ensuring progress against important deadlines and milestones.
About You
We’re looking for someone with a strong background in local authority planning policy who can hit the ground running and make an immediate contribution.
You’ll ideally have:
- Experience working on Local Plan preparation and development management or strategic planning policy matters.
- Strong knowledge of the plan-making process and relevant planning legislation and policy.
- The ability to manage complex workstreams, solve problems and deliver to tight deadlines.
- Excellent written communication, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative approach and the confidence to work with colleagues at all levels.
- The drive to make a difference and become a valued, trusted member of the team.
Why Apply?
This is more than just another interim role. You’ll be joining at a pivotal time, with the opportunity to contribute directly to a new Local Plan, influence important planning decisions and help shape the direction of the service.
As a key member of the team, your contribution will be valued, your expertise will make a difference, and you’ll have the opportunity to play a meaningful part in delivering the authority’s future planning ambitions.
If you’re a Senior or Principal Planning Policy Officer looking for your next contract in the North East, get in touch today to find out more.
[email protected]
0161 470 5506
