At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning initiatives and manage key infrastructure projects for Norfolk County.
- Company: Join Norfolk County Council, a leader in sustainable development and community planning.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and health services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Norfolk's future while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Qualified planner with extensive experience and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours and remote work options available for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 43300 - 45500 £ per year.
Norfolk is playing a pivotal role in meeting the economic, housing and clean power needs of the Country. It is essential that a positive, proactive and collaborative approach is taken to planning for the County's future, ensuring that the development brought forward is well planned and that key infrastructure is effectively delivered to support it.
To help us deliver these outcomes, Norfolk County Council is looking for a new Principal Strategic Planner to join our Infrastructure and Development group, working within the Strategic Planning Team.
As part of Norfolk County Council's Growth and Infrastructure Directorate, you will:
- Oversee Norfolk County Council's responses to statutory planning consultations, in accordance with the Duty to Cooperate on Local & Neighbourhood Plans;
- Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the County's planning obligations case work;
- Oversee the monitoring of planning obligation requirements and support the work of the County's Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects team.
These activities will ensure that the County Council's interests are fully represented, necessary infrastructure requirements provided for and that the full local impacts of NSIPs are duly assessed and that all possible benefits are explored and maximised.
This successful candidate will also have opportunities to engage in the early stages of preparation for the new system of strategic planning across local authority boundaries, as the County Council prepares for the implementation of the changes set out in the Planning and Infrastructure and English Devolution Bills.
You will be a qualified planner who has a comprehensive knowledge of the planning system, significant post qualification experience in planning, excellent communication and organisational skills and a well-developed ability to operate in a political environment on often contentious and complex matters, with a demonstrable ability to collaborate with elected members, partners, and other organisations.
Applications for the position on a part-time or reduced hours basis will be considered for the right candidate.
These are some benefits you can enjoy by working for Norfolk County Council:
- Competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Health and Wellbeing services including fast-track physiotherapy and a free counselling service
- Flexible working opportunities including flexi-time, part time, remote and hybrid working – dependent on your job role and business need.
- Financial benefits such as 'Norfolk Rewards' our employee discounts programme which helps you save money on almost anything, from everyday groceries and clothes, to holidays, new technology, gym membership, trips to the cinema and days out.
- A Blue Light card for Fire Service and Social Care Workers
- Relocation expenses (where applicable)
- An advance of your expenses if you travel for work
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution, life assurance, death in service payments and dependants' pensions
- Tax efficient ways of getting extra pension and new bikes
- Access to our tax efficient car lease scheme for greener travel enabling you to lease a brand new, ultra-low emission vehicle (subject to eligibility)
- A payment if you refer someone you know to a hard to fill job
We want our people to be inspired and motivated to work well together, make the most of our workspaces, enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and deliver excellent services to Norfolk and its people. Flexibility is built into the way we work, with hybrid working a key feature for many roles. Our technology platform and equipment are first class, enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We ask that you have in place good Broadband connectivity.
Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job description and person specification to help you demonstrate how you meet the criteria.
Already a Norfolk County Council employee? See and apply for all internal and external vacancies via myOracle.
Redeployment closing date: 25 February 23:59
All other applicants closing date: 4 March 23:59
Principal Strategic Planner in Norwich employer: Norfolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Norfolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Strategic Planner in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local planning 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 Norfolk County Council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for strategic planning and how you can contribute to the county's growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Principal Strategic Planner, you'll need to articulate complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch and responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining the team at Norfolk County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Strategic Planner in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications needed for the Principal Strategic Planner role.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We want to see how your skills and experience align with what we need. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your planning expertise and ability to work collaboratively in a political environment.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As a planner, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively. This could be through your writing style or by providing examples of past projects where you’ve successfully communicated with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary forms and guidelines there to help you out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norfolk County Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the planning system and Norfolk County Council's specific policies. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in local and neighbourhood plans, as well as the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Strategic Planner, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with elected members or partners in the past. Think about times when you navigated complex issues and how you managed to keep everyone on the same page.
✨Be Ready for Political Discussions
Given the political environment surrounding planning, be prepared to discuss how you would handle contentious matters. Think about your approach to balancing different interests and how you can advocate for the County Council's objectives while maintaining good relationships with other organisations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the future of strategic planning in Norfolk. Inquire about upcoming projects or challenges the team is facing. This shows that you're proactive and eager to contribute to the County's growth and infrastructure.