Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of housing policies and support community services in Lancaster.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to sustainable community planning.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, gym discounts, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Lancaster's future and tackle the Climate Emergency.
- Qualifications: Chartered status with RTPI or MCIH and strong planning policy background required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 46142 £ per year.
Join us as a Senior Planning Policy Officer and play a pivotal role in shaping Lancaster's future. You'll lead the development of housing and community service policies that meet local needs, support affordable housing delivery, and contribute to tackling the Climate Emergency. Your work will ensure our community thrives with safe, sustainable, and inclusive places to live.
What You'll Be Doing
- You will lead on strategic housing policies, support local plan-making, and provide expert advice to Councillors and colleagues.
- Your role includes mentoring junior staff, managing housing market assessments, and representing the Council at planning examinations and appeals.
- You’ll also engage with the community and stakeholders to ensure policies reflect local priorities.
You’ll Fit Right In If…
- You hold or are eligible for Chartered status with the RTPI or MCIH and have a strong background in planning policy or strategic housing.
- You’re confident analysing complex data, writing clear reports, and communicating effectively.
- You share our values of Working Together, Ambition, Pride, and Ownership, and hold a full UK driving licence to attend site visits.
- Your collaborative spirit and commitment to community-focused planning will help you thrive here.
Ready to Join Us?
If you’re passionate about making a real difference in Lancaster, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Benefits
- Generous annual leave
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounted gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Car purchase scheme
- Lifestyle savings
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Volunteering days
- Wellbeing support
- Flexible working friendly
We welcome discussions about flexible working and may be able to offer hybrid working, a generous flexi-time scheme, and agreed working hours to support work-life balance.
Inclusive employer
We welcome applications from all parts of the community and are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We guarantee interviews for applicants with a disability and armed forces veterans who meet the essential criteria.
Salary Range £40,777 - £46,142 per year
Senior Planning Policy Officer in Lancaster employer: Lancaster City Council
Contact Detail:
Lancaster City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning policy field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current policies and challenges. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in Lancaster. Tailor your answers to reflect our values of Working Together and Community Focus.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you'll need to communicate complex ideas clearly. Grab a friend or family member and run through your key points, focusing on clarity and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in planning policy and strategic housing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Planning Policy Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since analysing complex data is key for this role, include examples of how you've successfully tackled data analysis in your previous positions. We love seeing clear, concise reports that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
Emphasise Community Engagement: This position is all about making a difference in Lancaster, so share your experiences in engaging with communities and stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can reflect local priorities in their work, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster City Council
✨Know Your Policies
Familiarise yourself with the latest housing and community service policies relevant to Lancaster. Be prepared to discuss how these policies can be shaped to meet local needs, and think about innovative solutions to tackle the Climate Emergency.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you'll need to analyse complex data. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully interpreted data to inform policy decisions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to communicate findings clearly.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your experience in engaging with stakeholders and the community. Prepare to discuss how you’ve previously ensured that policies reflect local priorities, as this is crucial for the role. Think of specific examples where your engagement made a difference.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a collaborative spirit. Be ready to talk about your experience mentoring junior staff and working with Councillors. Share instances where teamwork led to successful outcomes, showcasing your commitment to working together and ownership of projects.