At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of strategic planning policies and manage complex site allocations.
- Company: Join Bath & North East Somerset Council, a diverse and impactful local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy fair pay, work/life balance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to sustainability and community welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your planning career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in planning policy and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking to recruit a Senior Planning Officer within the Planning Policy Team on a permanent basis. This is a key post within the Planning Policy Team.
B&NES Council is a diverse area, containing Bath, a World Heritage Site, Green Belt, two National Landscapes, Conservation Areas and listed buildings. The Council has declared climate and ecological emergencies and faces development pressure, which requires careful planning.
Within this context, the Council is undertaking plan making work, including preparing a Local Plan and other projects. The Local Plan will progress to Reg 19 consultation and submission for examination. The selected candidate will play a vital role in preparing the Local Plan, including leading on complex, strategic development site allocations.
The post provides an opportunity to work within a high performing Planning Policy team and to develop your career in a supportive working environment.
The successful candidate needs to be a highly capable, proactive and qualified planner, with experience of taking a lead role in a range of planning policy work and strong planning policy knowledge and skills. Candidates should be able to work effectively on their own initiative and within a positive team environment.
The Senior Planning Officer Role Profile attached to this advert also covers the equivalent role in Development Management; please note that it is the policy-related elements of the Role Profile that apply to this post.
To discuss this post contact Richard Daone, Deputy Head of Planning (Policy) via email or call 01225477546, or Alice Nunn, Principal Planning Officer via email or call 01225477683. Applications must be made via the council’s online system.
Interview date: 6 August 2026
No Agencies Please.
Banes Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). Redeployees meeting the essential criteria will be considered ahead of external applicants.
Please note this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand; apply as soon as possible.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to the community and make a positive impact. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services and communicate with residents. We care about the best outcomes for local people through our public services.
We offer a wide range of benefits to ensure fair pay, work/life balance, and support. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. The Council is a Disability Confident Employer. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Where a post involves work with children or vulnerable groups, an Enhanced DBS check will be undertaken.
Contact Details:
BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer (Policy) in Keynsham
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer (Policy) in Keynsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for BATH & NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL.