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- Tasks: Lead planning policy projects and engage with the community to shape local development.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to delivering first-class public services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, healthcare membership, and pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while advancing your planning career.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years in town planning with strong project management and communication skills.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 41753 - 58554 £ per year.
Salary starting from £41,753 per annum (DDC grade G).
Are you looking to take a step up in your planning career? Or perhaps you are seeking fresh challenges in a new location? Dover District Council is looking for a Senior Policy Planner to join our experienced and supportive Planning Policy and Projects team. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for building your experience and progressing a career in planning.
Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes, a career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.
The Role & Responsibilities:
- As a senior planner within the planning policy team, you will take an active role in the preparation, adoption, implementation and review of the Council’s Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Guidance/Plans and supporting evidence base.
- You will independently manage projects and areas of policy development.
- You will play a leading role in the production of key policy documents such as the Authority Monitoring Report, Land Supply Report and Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
- You will provide planning policy advice on planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
- Engagement with the community and involvement in the preparation of neighbourhood development plans are key aspects of the role.
- This role will involve attendance at external and public meetings, examinations and appeal hearings or inquiries.
- You will have the opportunity to support and guide junior members of the team.
Who We Are Looking For:
- We are looking for a planner with at least 2 to 3 years’ experience in town planning and a working knowledge of planning legislation.
- An understanding of local government structures and procedures is essential.
- You will be confident in effectively managing your workload and will have experience in preparing planning policy documents, plan-making practice and monitoring and reporting procedures.
- You must have practical experience of project delivery with excellent report writing, research and analysis skills.
- You will also have experience at examination or appeal hearings and advising on planning policy matters through the application process.
- Good IT skills and experience with Microsoft office products is expected.
- The ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively will be really important.
If you are a planner who is confident in successfully leading projects through to delivery with excellent communication skills, the enthusiasm to support and guide junior members of the team and you are seeking a role that presents challenge and daily diversity, this could be the perfect move.
What Can We Offer?
- We work in a hybrid way with a mix of office (2 days a week minimum required) and home working (business need permitting).
- We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in.
- We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:
- Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Program
- Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
- Generous annual leave provision
- Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
- On-site parking
- Cycle 2Work scheme
- Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.
What Next?
If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Carly Pettit, Planning Policy Team Leader - Carly.Pettit@dover.gov.uk or 01304 793208. To apply click on the ‘apply button’.
Job Advert Closes Midnight on Monday 2nd March 2026. Interviews to be held on Thursday 12th March 2026.
Senior Policy Planner in Dover employer: The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
Contact Detail:
The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Planner in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the planning field, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Policy Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Dover District Council and their recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their exciting agenda. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in policy development and community engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Senior Policy Planner, you’ll need to communicate effectively at public meetings and hearings. We suggest doing mock presentations with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the process. Make sure to highlight your project management experience and your ability to work collaboratively in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Planner in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in town planning and project delivery. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Policy Planner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with the community and working with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey complex information effectively.
Highlight Your Team Spirit: We’re looking for someone who can support and guide junior team members. Make sure to mention any experience you have in mentoring or collaborating with others, as this will show us that you’re a team player who thrives in a supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our friendly and diverse team at Dover District Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and local government structures. Familiarise yourself with Dover District Council's recent projects and policies, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your project management skills and experience in preparing planning policy documents. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led projects and engaged with communities in previous roles.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be attending public meetings and engaging with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as approachable and knowledgeable.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, current projects, and future challenges facing the Planning Policy team. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
