At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the examination of a Local Plan and engage with stakeholders.
- Company: Join a friendly planning policy team in Hampshire.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a pivotal planning role.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on future strategic development.
- Qualifications: MRTPI membership and significant planning policy experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical and project management abilities
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.
E Personnel Recruitment aims to acknowledge all applications; however, due to the high volume of CVs we receive, this may not always be possible.
Please note that the job title and description in this advertisement may differ slightly from the client's official job description and contract documentation.
You can apply with complete confidence through E Personnel Recruitment, specialists in both Permanent and Temporary recruitment and a proud member of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), the professional body for the recruitment industry.
E Personnel Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.
Principal Planning Policy Office (Interim) in Portsmouth employer: E Personnel Recruitment
Join a highly regarded and friendly planning policy team in Hampshire, where you will have the opportunity to lead on key aspects of the Local Plan examination process while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements. The organisation fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and mentorship, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in urban development and planning policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Policy Office (Interim) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning policy field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on key topics like Biodiversity and Transport Planning. Make sure you can discuss your experience with Local Plans and how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new openings and apply directly. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role and remind them why you’re the best fit for their planning policy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Policy Office (Interim) in 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 match the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, focus on your experience with Local Plan examinations and stakeholder engagement. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've contributed to similar projects.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at E Personnel Recruitment
✨Know Your Local Plan Inside Out
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 in your role. Being able to discuss specific elements confidently will show your expertise and commitment.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, practice how you would approach these conversations. Think about potential questions they might have and prepare clear, concise responses. Demonstrating strong communication skills during the interview will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with planning policy research and analysis. Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex planning issues in the past, particularly in relation to Local Plans. This will help illustrate your analytical abilities and project management skills.
✨Mentorship Experience Matters
As mentoring junior colleagues is part of the role, think of instances where you've guided others in your previous positions. Share these experiences during the interview to demonstrate your leadership qualities and your ability to foster a supportive team environment.
