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- Tasks: Lead infrastructure strategy and policy development for the Local Plan.
- Company: Join Guildford Borough Council's high-performing Planning Policy team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a career average earnings pension scheme.
- Why this job: Shape the future growth of the borough during an exciting planning phase.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and experience in infrastructure planning required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work with diverse stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Guildford Borough Council’s high-performing Planning Policy team as a Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer. We are seeking a motivated and experienced planning professional with a strong background in strategic infrastructure planning who is looking to take the next step in their career. You’ll be joining a dynamic and successful team with a proven track record in Local Plan preparation, including the adoption of two Local Plans in the past six years. We are now at the early stages of producing a new Local Plan under the new plan-making process — making this a particularly exciting time to get involved and help shape the future growth of the borough.
About the Role
This role plays a key part in supporting the development of infrastructure strategy and policy for the Local Plan and other planning policy projects. You will:
- Lead the preparation of infrastructure evidence, including the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and plan viability assessments.
- Oversee the commissioning and development of evidence to support the implementation and review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
- Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the successful planning and delivery of infrastructure aligned with the Local Plan.
About You
You will have:
- A recognised degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
- Chartered membership of the RTPI (or eligibility for membership).
- Proven experience in infrastructure planning and Local Plan preparation within a Local Authority setting.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate across a wide range of stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
Guildford Borough Council offers a range of employee benefits, including:
- A career average earnings pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of home and office-based working.
Information to guide your application
Please review the accompanying person specification to guide your application. To be shortlisted for interview, you must clearly demonstrate—using relevant examples—how you meet the essential and, where possible, desirable criteria.
For further information about the role, please contact Riaan van Eeden or Laura Howard, Interim Planning Policy Managers.
Please note: The Council may conduct interviews and appoint a candidate during the advertisement period. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.
Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy in Surrey employer: Jobsgopublic
Contact Detail:
Jobsgopublic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Guildford Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the Local Plan process. Brush up on recent developments in infrastructure planning and think about how we can contribute to the new Local Plan. This will help us stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our collaboration skills! Be ready to share examples of how we've successfully worked with various stakeholders in the past. This is key for the role, so let’s highlight those experiences during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to match the job description perfectly, increasing our chances of landing that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in infrastructure planning and Local Plan preparation. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've successfully contributed to similar projects in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what we’re looking for.
Use Clear Examples: When addressing the essential and desirable criteria, use clear and concise examples from your previous work. This helps us see how you meet the requirements and gives us a better picture of your capabilities.
Apply Early!: We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The sooner you submit your application through our website, the better your chances are of being considered before interviews start. Don’t wait until the last minute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobsgopublic
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic infrastructure planning and the Local Plan process. Familiarise yourself with Guildford Borough Council's recent projects, especially the two Local Plans they've adopted in the last six years. This will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in infrastructure planning and collaboration with stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your background aligns with the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the team, the upcoming Local Plan, and how they envision the role contributing to their goals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The Planning Policy team is dynamic and successful, so showing your collaborative spirit and communication skills will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
