Senior Planning Officer (Policy)

This is an exciting opportunity to join North Norfolk District Council at the start of the Local Plan making process under the new plan making system. We are expanding our team in light of the new workstreams and looking for an ambitious and motivated senior planner seeking a fresh challenge by working in a unique and special area.

By joining us now, you will play a key role working in all aspects of Plan making from the earliest stages of Plan review, working in partnership with officers and partnerships across the Council and wider region, including the Norfolk wide strategic planning framework on strategic planning matters. As a Senior Planning Officer, you will contribute to the development of spatial planning policy across the district, helping to guide sustainable growth and support the delivery of the Council’s priorities.

Working collaboratively, you will lead on more complex areas of work, taking responsibility for specific policy themes, commissioning evidence, preparing reports and briefing papers, and responding to consultations. The role also involves carrying out research and analysis, supporting the preparation of policy documents and development briefs, and helping to deliver public consultation and engagement activities. This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who can balance technical knowledge with strong communication and organisational skills.

You will be qualified in Town and Country Planning and hold full membership of the RTPI. You will be someone who is self-motivated and proactive and brings strong experience and knowledge of current and emerging planning legislation and a broad understanding of local government, particularly in relation to Local Plans and the wider strategic policy environment. You should be confident preparing detailed reports presenting complex information clearly and working collaboratively across the team and a wide range of audiences.

The role involves working collaboratively with neighbouring authorities and Norfolk County Council on wider cross boundary strategic planning matters and joint projects. This is an opportunity to join a committed and friendly team where you will have the chance to lead on meaningful and high-profile planning policy projects, develop your professional expertise, and contribute to shaping places for the future as part of a supportive and forward-thinking council with opportunities for flexible and hybrid working.

If you are passionate about planning, enjoy working on complex projects and want to make a real difference to local communities, we would love to hear from you.

North Norfolk is a fantastic place to live, work and visit. It covers 360 sq miles of coastal and rural environment, with over 100,000 people living in 120 distinct communities. Our district is one of England's top holiday destinations and a place where people positively choose to live. We're committed to promoting equality of opportunity for the people and communities of North Norfolk. We respect and value differences in our district and across our workforce, and we want everyone to feel included and able to play their part in making North Norfolk a great place to live, learn, work and visit.

Our coast and environment are extremely important to us. Recognising that North Norfolk faces a very real threat from climate change, the Council has declared a climate emergency. We have developed a Net Zero strategy to support our ambitions and all staff have a role to play in meeting our carbon reduction targets. We have a supportive culture that enables our people to learn and grow through attending courses, e-learning, and their daily job roles. We provide excellent opportunities for communication through updates from Directors and the Chief Executive.

Our Cromer office is clean, modern and light, with onsite lunchtime catering and free onsite parking. As one of the largest employers in the district, we offer several benefits to all our employees:

• Employee assistance program
• Discounts portal
• Salary sacrifice schemes (bikes, home electricals and EV car leasing – available after completion of probation period)

You will also enjoy:

• A good work-life balance, with many roles following our hybrid approach to work (if your role supports hybrid working, all we ask is that you have a stable and reliable internet connection)
• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service (assuming the role is full-time)
• Access to an excellent local government pension scheme based on your local authority career average earnings

We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.