Principal Planning Policy Officer
Location: South East London
Pay Rate: Up to £53 per hour (Umbrella, depending on experience)
Contract: 6 months ongoing
Working Arrangement: Hybrid – 2 days in the office per week, including Mondays
Client: Local Authority
About the RoleWe are currently recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer to join a local authority in South East London on a 6-month ongoing contract.
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and delivering the Council's planning policies, leading on statutory and non-statutory plan-making and ensuring that planning strategies support the borough's social, economic and environmental objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation, development and implementation of statutory and non-statutory planning policies and strategies.
- Manage complex planning policy projects, ensuring compliance with national and local planning legislation and guidance.
- Lead on Local Plan preparation, reviews, consultations and supporting evidence.
- Commission and manage specialist planning evidence and research undertaken by external consultants.
- Represent and defend planning policies at public examinations, hearings and appeals.
- Provide expert planning policy advice to senior officers, elected members, developers and external stakeholders.
- Ensure planning policies support the Council's wider regeneration, housing, economic and environmental objectives.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments and external organisations to deliver effective planning strategies.
- Support the Head of Plan Making and Place Shaping, deputising when required.
- Provide guidance, supervision and line management to junior planning policy officers where necessary.
- Identify opportunities to improve planning policy processes and service delivery.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience working as a Senior or Principal Planning Policy Officer within a local authority or similar planning environment.
- Strong knowledge of the planning system, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Local Plans and relevant planning legislation.
- Proven experience preparing and implementing statutory planning policies.
- Experience leading complex planning policy projects and managing competing priorities.
- Experience supporting Local Plan examinations, public consultations or planning appeals.
- Ability to prepare detailed planning reports, policy documents and technical advice.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills.
- Experience working independently and providing specialist planning policy advice.
- Ability to attend the office 2 days per week, including Mondays.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience deputising for senior planning management.
- Experience supervising or line managing junior planning policy staff.
- Experience commissioning and managing external planning consultants.
- Knowledge of London planning policy, including the London Plan.
- Relevant degree or professional qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline.
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
If you are an experienced Principal Planning Policy Officer and interested in this opportunity, please apply with your most up-to-date CV, confirming your availability and relevant planning policy experience.
Please note: This vacancy may close at short notice due to high demand. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by phone or email.
Principal Planning Policy Officer in London employer: VOX Consultants Careers
As a Building Safety Manager with our Local Authority in South East London, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to ensuring the safety and compliance of residential buildings. We offer a collaborative work culture that values your expertise and provides opportunities for professional growth, including mentorship and engagement with key stakeholders like the Building Safety Regulator. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying competitive pay and a supportive environment.
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