At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning policy projects and guide the borough's growth and development.
- Company: Civic Recruitment Limited, focused on strategic planning in Halton.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and engage with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape local planning policy and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: RTPI-accredited Planning Degree and experience in local authority planning.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 £ per year.
Location: Halton
Contract: Temporary (Length TBC)
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
Job Summary
The Principal Planning Policy Officer plays a crucial role within Halton’s Planning Policy Team, providing senior-level expertise to guide the borough’s future growth and development. This position involves acting as a key adviser on planning policy matters, delivering strategic objectives, managing projects, and supporting the development, review, and implementation of Local Plans in accordance with national and local policy frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the Council’s lead adviser on planning policy matters
- Deliver key planning policy objectives and agreed work programmes
- Support the strategic direction of the Planning Policy function
Team Management & Support
- Supervise and support Planning Policy Officers
- Provide guidance, allocate workloads, and support team development
- Promote continuous professional development within the team
Policy Development & Local Plans
- Lead the preparation, monitoring, and review of Local Plans
- Prepare and maintain site assessments and supporting evidence
- Ensure policies align with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)
Project & Research Delivery
- Lead multidisciplinary planning policy projects
- Commission and undertake research to inform policy and strategy
- Develop and implement planning strategies, policies, and action plans
Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with internal teams, partners, residents, and stakeholders
- Support consultations and community engagement activities
- Present complex planning information clearly and effectively
Work Environment
Collaborative and strategic planning team. Office-based with stakeholder engagement across the borough.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- RTPI-accredited Planning Degree
- MRTPI (Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute)
Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of UK planning legislation, policy, and procedures
- In-depth understanding of Local Plan development processes
- Knowledge of NPPF and PPG guidance
Experience
- Proven experience delivering Local Plans from conception through to adoption
- Experience working within planning policy in a local authority or similar setting
- Experience managing or supporting multidisciplinary projects
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent report writing and presentation abilities
- Ability to communicate complex planning information clearly
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Requirements
- Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Commitment to continuous professional development
- Supportive and collaborative approach to team working
Additional Information
Contract length to be confirmed. Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis. Opportunity to play a key role in shaping local planning policy.
Principal Planning Policy Officer employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in employment law will be valued and impactful. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have opportunities for professional growth while working on meaningful projects that directly benefit the public sector. Our supportive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making this role not just a job, but a chance to make a real difference in the community.
