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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and shape the future of your community.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to delivering top-notch public services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, health benefits, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in planning while guiding junior team members.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in town planning with strong project management skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team passionate about community development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Are you looking to take a step up in your planning career? Or perhaps you are seeking fresh challenges in a new location? Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes, a career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.
Dover’s Planning and Development Service has a successful record of plan-making and driving high-quality place-making, which is strongly supported by its elected members.
The Role Responsibilities
As a senior planner within the planning policy team, you will take an active role in the preparation, adoption, implementation and review of the Council’s Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Guidance/Plans and supporting evidence base and will independently manage projects and areas of policy development. You will play a leading role in the production of key policy documents such as the Authority Monitoring Report, Land Supply Report and Infrastructure Delivery Plan. You will provide planning policy advice on planning applications and pre-application enquiries. Engagement with the community and involvement in the preparation of neighbourhood development plans are key aspects of the role. This role will involve attendance at external and public meetings, examinations and appeal hearings or inquiries and you will have the opportunity to support and guide junior members of the team.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a planner with at least 2 to 3 years’ experience in town planning and a working knowledge of planning legislation, who can take a lead role on a wide range of planning policy projects. An understanding of local government structures and procedures is essential. You will be confident in effectively managing your workload and will have experience in preparing planning policy documents, plan-making practice and monitoring and reporting procedures. You must have practical experience of project delivery with excellent report writing, research and analysis skills. You will also have experience at examination or appeal hearings and advising on planning policy matters through the application process. Good IT skills and experience with Microsoft office products is expected. The ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively will be really important – you will be regularly working with a variety of internal and external customers and elected councillors.
If you are a planner who is confident in successfully leading projects through to delivery with excellent communication skills, the enthusiasm to support and guide junior members of the team and you are seeking a role that presents challenge and daily diversity, this could be the perfect move.
What Can We Offer?
We work in a hybrid way with a mix of office (2 days a week minimum required) and home working (business need permitting). We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:
- Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Program
- Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
- Generous annual leave provision
- Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
- On-site parking
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.
What Next?
If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Carly Pettit, Planning Policy Team Leader - Carly.Pettit@dover.gov.uk or 01304 793208.
Job Advert Closes Midnight on Monday 2nd March 2026 Interviews to be held on Thursday 12th March 2026
Senior Policy Planner in Kent employer: Dover District Council
Contact Detail:
Dover District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Planner in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dover District Council and its projects. Show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in policy development and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Policy Planner, you’ll need to articulate your ideas clearly. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to refine your pitch and ensure you come across as confident and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Dover District Council. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Planner in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Policy Planner. We want to see how you can contribute to our exciting agenda at Dover District Council!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your report writing, research, and analysis skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage projects effectively, so let us know about your past successes in this area!
Engage with the Community: Since community engagement is key, share any relevant experiences you have in working with local communities or stakeholders. We love seeing candidates who understand the importance of collaboration!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Dover District Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dover District Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and local government structures. Familiarise yourself with Dover District Council's recent projects and policies, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your project management skills and experience in preparing planning policy documents. Be ready to explain how you've successfully led projects and engaged with communities.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be attending public meetings and engaging with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your delivery.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Dover District Council. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
