Senior Planning Policy Officer in Bristol

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint a Senior Planning Policy Officer to join the Homes and Regeneration team. This is your opportunity to shape a coordinated approach to the future of the West of England. You will play a hands-on role in guiding how we plan for future homes, jobs, infrastructure, and nature recovery, ensuring our region is resilient to the climate challenges ahead.

We’re looking for motivated planning professionals with practical experience in policy development and a degree in a relevant field (Planning, Built Environment, or similar). You should be a strong communicator, comfortable working in a political environment, and capable of analysing complex data to inform strategic choices.

This role will be pivotal in:

• Supporting the creation of a comprehensive framework for regional growth over the next 30 years.
• Developing and commissioning key technical studies, including housing need, transport modelling, and environmental assessments.
• Ensuring statutory consultation processes are inclusive, legally compliant, and transparent.
• Completing high-quality policy drafts and research that align with national policy and the West of England Local Growth Plan.
• Providing spatial mapping and data analysis (GIS) to present complex policy options clearly to decision-makers.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager, please contact Michael.Wilberforce@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.

The interviews are planned to be held during w/c 20th April. Please note this may be subject to change. The closing date for this role is 6th April. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

**Our Offer** Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3%.
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week.
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England.

The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

The salary for this role is £47,181 - £51,356. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.