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- Tasks: Shape Sunderland's future by preparing the new Local Plan and strategic policies.
- Company: Join Sunderland City Council and be part of a vibrant, growing team.
- Benefits: Fixed term role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban planning and regeneration in your city.
- Qualifications: Must be a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainable development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Fixed Term - 24 months. Sunderland City Council is strengthening its Strategic and Sustainable Plans Team to help ensure delivery against the Council’s ambitious City Plan goals. It is an exciting time to join a successful team and help shape the future of our vibrant and growing city. The Council adopted its current Core Strategy and Development Plan in 2020 and is seeking to develop a new Local Plan at pace in alignment with the reformed planning system.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare Sunderland’s new Local Plan and support the delivery of coherent strategic policies for the social, physical and economic regeneration of the city.
- Demonstrate a good knowledge of planning issues.
- Regularly interpret local and national planning policy to assist colleagues in effective implementation.
Qualifications:
- Chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Application Process:
Applications must be completed online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. Please note that CVs are not acceptable.
Contact:
For an informal discussion please contact Joanne Scott (Planning Policy Team Leader) at joanne.scott@sunderland.gov.uk. If you need any support, contact jobs@sunderland.gov.uk. It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 27th April 2026.
Senior Planning Policy Officer in Sunderland employer: Sunderland City Council
Contact Detail:
Sunderland City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Policy Officer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Sunderland City Council and their Strategic and Sustainable Plans Team. Understanding their goals and recent projects will help you connect your experience to what they need.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to planning policy and regeneration. Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of the Senior Planning Policy Officer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, express your enthusiasm for shaping Sunderland’s future. Talk about why you’re excited about the new Local Plan and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to Joanne Scott. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Policy Officer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you’ve got a solid understanding of planning issues and policies. We want to see that you can interpret local and national planning policy effectively, so brush up on your knowledge before you start writing.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send in a generic application! We’re looking for how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Planning Policy Officer. Highlight relevant projects or experiences that showcase your expertise in strategic planning.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and what you can bring to the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, applications need to be submitted online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. Don’t forget, CVs aren’t accepted, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application is considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland City Council
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on both local and national planning policies before the interview. Being able to discuss how these policies impact Sunderland's Local Plan will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also how it applies in practice.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to strategic planning in previous roles. Think about specific projects where your input led to successful outcomes, especially in terms of social, physical, or economic regeneration.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Sunderland City Council’s City Plan goals. During the interview, express how your skills and experiences align with their vision for the city’s future. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the challenges the team faces in developing the new Local Plan or how they measure success in their strategic policies. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and critical thinking.