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- Tasks: Help shape Sunderland's future by developing the new Local Plan and strategic policies.
- Company: Sunderland City Council, committed to ambitious city development goals.
- Benefits: Fixed term or permanent roles with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on urban regeneration.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of planning issues and eligibility for RTPI chartered membership.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence the city's development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
We are looking for highly motivated professional planners to join the team and help us prepare the Council’s new Local Plan. The successful applicants will play an important role in the preparation of Sunderland’s new Local Plan and support the delivery of coherent strategic policies for the social, physical and economic regeneration of the City. It is expected that the successful applicants will be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of planning issues. Regular interpretation of local and national planning policy will be essential to assist colleagues in effective implementation.
Applicants must be eligible for chartered membership of the RTPI.
For an informal discussion please contact Joanne Scott (Planning Policy Team Leader-joanne.scott@sunderland.gov.uk).
Applications must be completed on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. If you need any support, contact: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk. Please note that CVs are not acceptable.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 27th April 2026. All communication about your application for this post will be to the email address that you register with North East Jobs. This may include details of an online assessment you may need to complete and an invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other method. Please remember to check your junk mail items.
Strategic 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 Strategic Planning Policy Officer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or through informal chats. Understanding their experiences can give you insights into the role and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local and national planning policies. We want to see that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field. Show us you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to strategic planning. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence.
✨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 you’re serious about joining Sunderland City Council and contributing to our City Plan goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Planning Policy Officer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what Sunderland City Council is looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We recommend tailoring your responses to highlight your relevant experience in planning and policy. Show us how you can contribute to the exciting goals of the City Plan and the new Local Plan.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations for joining the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. It’s the only way we’ll accept applications, and it ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get all the updates directly to your email!
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. Understanding the current Core Strategy and Development Plan will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also invested in Sunderland's future.
✨Showcase Your Motivation
Be ready to explain why you're passionate about strategic planning and how you can contribute to the Council’s ambitious City Plan goals. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your motivation and commitment to urban regeneration.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific planning issues or challenges. Think through potential scenarios related to the Local Plan and be prepared to discuss your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Research Sunderland City Council's Strategic and Sustainable Plans Team and their recent projects. Showing that you understand their vision and how you can fit into it will demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute effectively.