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- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and develop key policy documents for the community.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to delivering first-class public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and employee support programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while advancing your planning career.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of town planning experience and strong project management skills.
- Other info: Join a friendly, diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 41753 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary starting from £41,753 per annum (DDC grade G).
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. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.
Dover’s Planning and Development Service has a successful record of plan-making and driving high-quality place-making, which is strongly supported by its elected members.
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 and 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 and 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, who can take a lead role on a wide range of planning policy projects. 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– you will be regularly working with a variety of internal and external customers and elected councillors.
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
- Cycle2Work 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.
To apply please click on the 'apply button'. Interviews to be held on Thursday 22nd January 2026. Job Advert Closes Midnight on Monday 12th January 2026.
Senior Policy Planner in England 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 England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Dover District Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on local planning policies and recent projects in Dover. We want to demonstrate our knowledge and passion for the area, making us stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with the community and stakeholders, we should be ready to showcase our ability to convey complex planning concepts clearly and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our experience aligns perfectly with the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Planner in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in town planning and policy development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Senior Policy Planner, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your excellent communication skills, whether through your writing style or by providing examples of past interactions.
Highlight Your Project Management Experience: We’re looking for someone who can manage projects effectively. Be sure to include specific examples of projects you've led, detailing your role and the outcomes. This will show us you have what it takes to lead in our team.
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 makes the process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific policies and how they apply to Dover District Council will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of projects you've managed in the past, especially those related to planning policy. Be ready to discuss your approach to project delivery, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Engage with Community Involvement
Since community engagement is key in this role, think of instances where you've successfully involved stakeholders in planning processes. Highlight your communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with various groups.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Anticipate questions that may involve real-life scenarios, such as handling planning applications or preparing policy documents. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
