Senior Planning Officer

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is seeking an ambitious and strategic Senior Planner to play a leading role in developing and delivering the East Midlands' Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This is a unique opportunity to shape how our region grows over the next 30 years, supporting sustainable development, infrastructure investment and economic prosperity.

Working closely with the Head of Planning, you'll lead major strategic planning programmes, manage high-profile projects and influence decisions that will leave a lasting legacy across the East Midlands.

About the Role

As Senior Planner, you will provide expert planning leadership across the development, adoption, monitoring and review of the Spatial Development Strategy. You’ll lead complex workstreams with significant autonomy, manage the commissioning of specialist evidence and consultants, develop business cases and investment proposals, and represent EMCCA at examinations in public and other formal planning proceedings. The role also includes deputising for the Head of Planning when required, providing day-to-day leadership to the Planning Officer and Planning Assistant, and helping to drive continuous improvement across the planning service.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead strategic workstreams supporting the preparation and delivery of the Spatial Development Strategy.
• Provide expert advice on planning policy, legislation and statutory plan-making.
• Represent and defend EMCCA's planning position at examinations in public, planning inquiries and other formal proceedings.
• Lead the commissioning and management of specialist consultants and evidence base studies.
• Develop business cases, investment proposals and tender documentation to support major regional growth programmes.
• Manage multiple complex projects, ensuring delivery to agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, government departments, developers, investors and partner organisations.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and public consultation activities.
• Prepare high-quality reports, committee papers and strategic advice for the Mayor and senior officers.
• Deputise for the Head of Planning and provide leadership and support to the wider Planning Team.
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement and best practice across the planning function.

About You

We're looking for an experienced planning professional with strong strategic thinking, leadership capability and excellent technical knowledge. You will have:

• A degree in Planning or a related discipline.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Significant post-qualification experience in spatial planning within a complex planning environment.
• Extensive knowledge of planning policy, planning legislation and statutory plan-making.
• Experience representing organisations at examinations in public, planning inquiries or equivalent proceedings.
• Experience leading complex planning projects, consultant commissions and procurement processes.
• Experience developing business cases, investment proposals or major funding submissions.
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to build relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience preparing and presenting strategic reports, planning evidence and policy recommendations.
• Proven leadership experience, including supervising colleagues, managing consultants and deputising for senior managers.
• The ability to work independently, make sound professional judgements and respond proactively to emerging planning policy and legislative change.
• Experience working within a local authority, combined authority or equivalent public sector organisation.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Why Join EMCCA?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at the heart of regional growth and devolution. You'll work on nationally significant planning projects that will shape the East Midlands for decades to come while developing your career in a collaborative and ambitious environment. At EMCCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value innovation, partnership working and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to influence strategic decisions that make a genuine difference to people, places and businesses across the region.

Our Values

• Lifting our Region: Putting the long-term success of the East Midlands first.
• Working Together: Building strong partnerships and embracing collaboration.
• Making an Impact: Turning ideas into meaningful action that improves lives and places.
• Being Human: Creating an inclusive culture built on respect, authenticity and understanding.

If you're an experienced planning professional who wants to shape the future of the East Midlands and make a lasting regional impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 10/08/2026

Proposed Interview Date: 9th & 10th September

Up to 10 days paid leave in a 12-month period for caring responsibilities.

A hybrid work model with remote working opportunities.

Maternity, Paternity, IVF, Adopters and Foster Carers support.

Cycle to Work Scheme.

30 days holiday (plus 2 with continuous service) + bank holidays + your birthday (up to five extra days through salary sacrifice).