Senior Planning Policy Officer in Woking, Surrey

The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is £47,142 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We're delighted to be hiring an experienced and motivated Senior Planning Policy Officer to join our dynamic Minerals and Waste Policy Team. If you're excited by complex challenges, passionate about high-quality planning, and want your work to have a visible impact on communities and the environment, this is a fantastic opportunity. You'll join a friendly, collaborative and highly professional team based in Woking (and Reigate) with the flexibility to work in a hybrid way. We are proud of our reputation for high standards, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to excellence in minerals and waste planning.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 after 2 years and 31 after 5 years (plus Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• 5 days of paid carer's leave and 2 volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• Strong support for continuous professional development
• The chance to shape Surrey's minerals and waste planning framework
• Work that makes a real difference to communities and Surrey's environment

Surrey is a uniquely diverse and ambitious county with urban fringe in the north, rural communities in the south, and major transport corridors including Heathrow and Gatwick. The county is:

• The most wooded in England
• Home to the Surrey Hills Landscape
• Over 70% Metropolitan Green Belt
• A major contributor to the UK economy

Shape Surrey's Future and Influence Work That Really Matters

Surrey faces complex, high-profile planning challenges – from climate change and biodiversity loss to major growth pressures, extensive Green Belt coverage, and the need for sustainable waste management and secure supply of minerals. As the Senior Planning Policy Officer in the team, you will play an important role in navigating this landscape and preparing Surrey's first joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan under England's new plan-making system. You will also contribute to regional technical groups, evidence work, and stakeholder engagement. This is a role with real influence – shaping long-term policy that affects Surrey's people, places and environment for decades to come.

Responsibilities

• Supporting preparation of the new Minerals and Waste Local Plan and its evidence base
• Managing statutory monitoring outputs, including the Local Aggregate Assessment and Authority Monitoring Report
• Producing high-quality written reports with clear, well-reasoned recommendations and presenting work to senior leaders and elected members
• Coordinating engagement with minerals and waste operators, elected members, the public and other stakeholders, including digital and high-interest public events
• Responding to stakeholder enquiries and participating in regional groups such as the South East England Aggregate Working Party, South East Waste Planning Advisory Group and POS Minerals and Waste Policy Advisory Group
• Championing a culture of professionalism, transparency and continuous improvement across the team
• Coaching, mentoring and supporting officers in their technical, project and professional development

Qualifications

• A relevant planning-related degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) and Chartered RTPI membership (or clear progression toward full membership)
• Substantial professional land-use planning experience in a local government or private sector setting in England or Wales
• Strong understanding of England's planning system, including policy development and evidence-based decision-making
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly to varied audiences in different settings
• Strong digital and data capability, with the ability to use evidence effectively in policy and analysis
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound professional judgement under pressure and demonstrating a commitment to continual learning

Application Process

To be considered for shortlisting, your application must clearly evidence the above skills and align with the required qualifications. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31 05 2026 with interviews planned to follow. Shortlisting for interview will be based on the evidence you provide by way of your CV and personal statement. Interviews for the vacant position will be held in-person at our offices in Woking and/or Reigate.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunity.