Senior Spatial Planning Officer

Overview

Employer: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Contract: Permanent • Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time • Hours: 35 hours per week • DBS Check: No

About The Role

The role sits within our Spatial Planning Team, within the Policy and Strategy Directorate, and is responsible for the preparation of our Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of the national roll out of strategic planning, supporting the advancement and adoption of the SDS. The SDS will shape future development across the Liverpool City Region, with goals of economic inclusion, social value, addressing health inequalities and meeting the challenge of climate change. We work with local authorities and stakeholders in the public, private and third sectors to develop the SDS.

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Spatial Planning Officer who is passionate about strategic planning, has a track record of preparing sound, evidence-based planning policy, can work collaboratively and has a clear ambition to deliver positive impact for the Liverpool City Region.

The postholder will play a significant role in the production of the SDS and related activities, including developing a robust evidence base across various technical areas, writing sound policies, conducting community engagement, progressing the SDS through the examination process, and collaborating with colleagues and external partners.

About The Person

You will have strong knowledge and understanding of planning policy and processes, ideally at the strategic planning level. You will understand opportunities and challenges in delivering the SDS and the opportunities presented by devolution. We seek an exceptional individual who can proactively build relationships with stakeholders and local authorities, prepare evidence, undertake analysis, consultation and policy development for the SDS, and recognise links between the SDS and other CA activities (economic, housing, environmental, skills and investment policies). You will be politically aware, able to work at pace, and have a track record of operating in a complex policy environment. You will have excellent communication skills and a strong track record of collaborative working with a range of partners, and experience of working in a changing national planning context.

If you think you match the job description, and our values, then click on the link to apply. Please provide clear examples and evidence in your application of how you meet the key essential criteria. The information you provide will be used for shortlisting.

Key Essential Criteria

• 1. Knowledge of the key issues facing the Liverpool City Region
• 2. Experience of developing planning policy at a strategic level, as well as at Local Plan level
• 3. Good written and oral presentation skills with ability to present complex ideas in a clear and comprehensible way

Please highlight how you meet the remaining essential criteria outlined in the person specification within your CV.

About The Organisation

The Liverpool City Region is known for its history, culture and creativity. The Combined Authority plays a central role in catalysing an innovation-led economy, investing in economy, people, place, transport and digital infrastructure. Our vision is for the Liverpool City Region to be the best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business, where no-one is left behind.

Staff Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme contributions between 5.5% and 12.5%
• Generous holiday entitlement of 29 days rising to 34 days after 5 years, plus bank holidays and the option to buy 10 additional days
• Free travel around Liverpool City Region with an All-Zone Metro card worth £1,450 per year and All Zones Off Peak Trio ticket for your spouse or partner
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family and free counselling
• Automatic enrolment to our Westfield Health Programme
• Corporate discounts at council-owned gyms
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships, and professional qualifications including paid membership fees and a £1k interest-free learning loan for non-job-related learning

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who declare they have a disability, are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are a reservist, or have close family links to a member of the Armed Forces. Indicate eligibility in the application form and demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria in your application. Applications without this evidence will not be considered under the guaranteed interview schemes. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Role Sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route; we encourage you to assess eligibility before applying. For details, visit gov.uk.

How to Apply

Please apply online via the link provided. CV applications will be accepted only with a completed online application form.