Senior Policy Officer - Spatial Planning in Birmingham

We're looking for a Senior Policy Officer – Spatial Planning to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), playing a leading role in developing the policies that will guide where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered across the region. This is a rare opportunity to influence one of the UK's most significant strategic planning programmes. You'll help develop the West Midlands Spatial Development Strategy, working with local authorities, government, developers and regional partners to create a long-term vision for sustainable growth. If you're an experienced planning professional who enjoys turning evidence into policy, influencing decision-makers and working collaboratively to deliver real change, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the development of housing policy within the Spatial Development Strategy.
• Manage evidence-based projects, including housing capacity studies and digital planning initiatives.
• Provide expert planning policy advice to local authority partners, helping align Local Plans with the Spatial Development Strategy.
• Develop and oversee key planning policy documents from inception through consultation to adoption.
• Produce high-quality briefings and policy advice for the Mayor, Combined Authority leadership and senior officers.
• Lead engagement with local authorities, government departments and a wide range of external stakeholders.
• Manage thematic working groups and contribute to the successful delivery of the wider Spatial Development Strategy programme.
• Coordinate programme planning, reporting and governance, ensuring projects are delivered on time and provide value for money.
• Represent WMCA at regional and national meetings, conferences and discussions with government and partner organisations.

About you

You'll be an experienced planning professional with a strong understanding of strategic planning and policy development. You'll enjoy working in a collaborative environment, building relationships and influencing outcomes while balancing competing priorities. You'll also have:

• Significant experience developing planning policy covering housing, regeneration, economic development, investment and infrastructure.
• Experience leading major planning policy documents through consultation, examination and adoption.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex evidence and translate it into clear policy recommendations.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to explain complex planning issues to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Political awareness and the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• A proactive, delivery-focused approach with the ability to work independently and use your own initiative.
• Experience working collaboratively across organisations and at the interface between local and central government.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• A degree (or equivalent), relevant professional membership such as MRTPI (or another appropriate professional body), and a minimum of three years' post-qualification experience.

Location

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Salary and benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home. We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focused on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Creating an inclusive workplace. WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria. We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all. We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional 'perfect candidate' mould. We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).