Location: East Midlands (Hybrid working available)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Help Shape the Future of the East Midlands
Are you passionate about creating places where people and businesses can thrive? Do you want to play a key role in shaping the future growth of the East Midlands?
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is looking for a motivated and ambitious Planning Officer to join our Planning Team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the preparation and delivery of the region's Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), helping to influence sustainable growth, infrastructure investment and the future of our communities.
Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you will lead defined workstreams, contribute to major strategic planning projects and support the development of planning policy that will have a lasting impact across the region.
About the Role
Reporting to the Senior Planner and working closely with the Head of Planning, you will support the delivery of EMCCA's strategic planning functions. You'll take ownership of specific projects while contributing to the wider Spatial Development Strategy programme.
Your work will include commissioning evidence studies, managing consultant inputs, supporting public consultation and stakeholder engagement, preparing reports and helping to ensure planning decisions are informed by robust evidence.
You'll also provide day-to-day guidance and support to the Planning Assistant (Trainee), helping to develop a positive, collaborative and high-performing team.
What You'll Be Doing
As Planning Officer, you will:
- Support the preparation, monitoring and review of the Spatial Development Strategy.
- Lead and manage defined planning workstreams and projects.
- Contribute to the commissioning and management of specialist consultants and evidence base studies.
- Research emerging planning policy, legislation and best practice.
- Prepare reports, briefings and evidence to support senior decision-making.
- Support examinations in public, planning inquiries and other statutory planning processes.
- Coordinate and contribute to stakeholder engagement and public consultation activities.
- Work collaboratively with local authorities, partners and communities across the region.
- Provide coaching and day-to-day support to the Planning Assistant.
- Help drive continuous improvement across the planning service.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines technical planning knowledge with excellent communication and organisational skills.
You will have:
- A degree in Planning or a related discipline.
- A postgraduate qualification in Planning (or equivalent), or be close to completing one.
- Experience working in spatial planning within a local authority, consultancy or similar planning environment.
- Sound knowledge of planning policy, planning legislation and statutory plan-making.
- Experience supporting planning projects, consultant commissions or evidence studies.
- Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience preparing planning reports, evidence and briefing papers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience contributing to examinations in public, planning inquiries or similar formal processes.
- Experience preparing business cases, funding bids or investment proposals.
- Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Experience supporting or mentoring junior colleagues.
Why Join EMCCA?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a new and ambitious organisation at a pivotal point in its development. You'll work on projects that will shape the future of the East Midlands while developing your own professional career alongside experienced planning specialists.
At EMCCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We value collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, and we're proud to offer an environment where your ideas and expertise can make a genuine difference.
Our Values
Everything we do is guided by our core 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.
Creating an inclusive culture built on respect, authenticity and understanding.
If you're looking for an opportunity to make a real impact on the future of one of the UK's most exciting regions, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 10/08/2026
Proposed Interview Date: 10th & 11th September
Planning Officer in Chesterfield employer: EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
As a Programme Officer with our Strategy and Inclusive Growth Directorate, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving economic growth and innovation across the East Midlands. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional development, offering opportunities for meaningful contributions to high-profile programmes. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive environment where your skills can flourish, making a tangible impact on the prosperity of our communities.
Contact Details:
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY Recruitment Team
