At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the examination of a Local Plan and support planning policy initiatives.
- Company: Join a friendly and supportive planning policy team in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, with mandatory office attendance on Tuesdays.
- Other info: Excellent opportunity for career growth in a pivotal role.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on future strategic development in your community.
- Qualifications: MRTPI membership and significant planning policy experience required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Hampshire (Hybrid Working) Flexible hybrid working but attendance in office on a Tuesday is mandatory.
Contract: 12-month contract
Hours: 37 hours per week
Skills: Planning Policy, Local Plans, MRTPI, Town Planning, Biodiversity, Transport Planning, Planning Appeals, Development Plans, Public Consultation, Policy Examination
An experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer is required to play a key role in the examination of a newly submitted Local Plan. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded and friendly planning policy team at a pivotal stage in the authority’s development strategy. The Local Plan was submitted for examination in March 2026, and the successful candidate will lead on key areas of the examination process, particularly around Biodiversity and Transport.
The Role:
- Working directly with the Head of Planning Policy, you will take a lead role in supporting the Local Plan examination process, including hearing sessions, evidence preparation, and stakeholder engagement.
- You will also contribute towards wider planning policy workstreams and support junior colleagues within the team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading on key aspects of the Local Plan examination process
- Preparing evidence, written representations and policy responses
- Supporting and attending examination hearings
- Undertaking planning policy research and analysis
- Responding to planning legislation and policy consultations
- Liaising with internal departments, elected members and external stakeholders
- Supporting public consultation exercises
- Mentoring and guiding junior planning officers
About You:
The client is looking for a highly experienced planning professional with:
- MRTPI membership
- Significant planning policy experience
- Previous Local Plan examination experience
- Strong understanding of at least two of the following:
- Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure
- Habitat Regulations Assessment
- Climate Change
- Transport and Air Quality
- Infrastructure Delivery Plans
- Town Centres and Retail
Working Arrangements:
- Flexible hybrid working available
- Attendance in the office every Tuesday is mandatory
- Friendly and supportive planning policy team environment
This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation at a critical stage in its Local Plan journey and make a meaningful contribution to future strategic development.
To apply or discuss the role further, please get in touch. Should your application be successful, you will be contacted shortly. We appreciate your interest in this role.
Locations
Principal Planning Policy Office (Interim) in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: E Personnel Recruitment
Contact Detail:
E Personnel Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Office (Interim) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning policy field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on key topics related to the Local Plan examination process. Familiarise yourself with current legislation and recent developments in biodiversity and transport planning. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific projects or roles where you’ve led on planning policy or engaged with stakeholders. We’re all about making your skills shine, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Office (Interim) in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning policy, especially around Local Plans and Biodiversity. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific projects or tasks that relate to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We love seeing concrete examples of your work, especially if you've led on Local Plan examinations.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at E Personnel Recruitment
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Local Plan that has been submitted for examination. Familiarise yourself with its key aspects, especially around Biodiversity and Transport, as these will be crucial topics during your discussion.
✨Showcase Your MRTPI Membership
Highlight your MRTPI membership and how it enhances your expertise in planning policy. Be prepared to discuss how this qualification has shaped your approach to previous Local Plan examinations and stakeholder engagement.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about your experience with public consultations and stakeholder management. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to liaise effectively with internal departments, elected members, and external stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring Skills
Since you'll be supporting junior colleagues, be ready to discuss your mentoring style and any past experiences where you've guided less experienced team members. This will show your capability to lead within the planning policy team.