Planning Policy Lead
Introduction to the role and applicant profile
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint an exceptional Planning Policy Lead to lead one of the most important strategic planning programmes in the region.
The West of England is one of the UK's fastest-growing city-regions, with significant opportunities and challenges around housing delivery, economic growth, infrastructure investment, climate resilience and environmental enhancement. The decisions made today will shape how the region grows for decades to come.
At the heart of this is the West of England's first Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), a statutory plan that will establish the long-term framework for where homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered across the region over the next 30 years.
As Planning Policy Lead, you will lead the development, examination and adoption of this landmark strategy. You will work directly with the Mayor, senior elected members, local authority leaders, chief executives, planning directors, government departments and statutory agencies to build consensus around a shared vision for the future of the West of England.
This is a role with genuine regional influence and national significance. Few planning professionals have the opportunity to lead the preparation of a strategic plan of this scale and importance. If you are motivated by shaping places, influencing major decisions and leaving a lasting legacy, this could be the career-defining opportunity you have been looking for.
We are looking for an outstanding strategic leader who combines excellent planning expertise with strong political awareness, exceptional relationship-building skills and a passion for delivering sustainable, inclusive growth.
This is a critical time in our transformation and growth journey, and you'll play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our ambitions by:
- Leading the development and delivery of the West of England Spatial Development Strategy.
- Shaping the region's long-term approach to housing, employment, infrastructure and place-making.
- Building consensus across four local authorities and a wide range of regional and national partners.
- Leading engagement with government departments, statutory agencies and key stakeholders.
- Managing a high-performing team of planning professionals and technical specialists.
- Providing expert advice to senior leaders on complex planning and growth challenges.
What you'll be doing
Are you someone who can bring together diverse interests around a common purpose, influence senior decision-makers and deliver complex programmes in challenging environments? As Planning Policy Lead, you will:
- Lead the preparation of the West of England's first Spatial Development Strategy.
- Provide strategic leadership for one of the Combined Authority's highest-profile statutory programmes.
- Direct the evidence base, consultation programme and policy development process.
- Build productive partnerships across local government, national government, infrastructure providers and the development sector.
- Lead engagement with political leaders and senior stakeholders on complex and often sensitive issues.
- Guide the SDS through examination and adoption.
- Support the delivery of wider regional priorities across housing, regeneration, transport, climate and economic development.
- Develop and lead a talented team committed to delivering positive outcomes for the region.
What you'll bring
You will be an experienced planning professional with the credibility, leadership skills and strategic thinking required to operate at the highest levels of local and regional government.
We're particularly interested in candidates who:
- Have substantial experience leading strategic planning or spatial policy programmes.
- Understand the legal, technical and political complexities of plan-making.
- Have a track record of influencing senior stakeholders and building consensus across organisational boundaries.
- Are confident operating in politically sensitive environments and providing advice to elected members and senior executives.
- Have experience managing complex programmes involving multiple partners, competing priorities and significant public interest.
- Can inspire and support teams to deliver ambitious outcomes.
- Bring a strong commitment to sustainable growth, place-making and improving outcomes for communities.
Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute and significant professional experience in planning policy and strategy will be essential.
Why choose us?
The Place Directorate sits at the centre of some of the most ambitious growth, regeneration and infrastructure programmes in the country. We are helping to shape the future of a region that is expected to accommodate significant housing and employment growth while remaining one of the UK's most attractive places to live, work and invest.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a programme that will influence the future of the West of England for a generation. Substantial work is already underway, with a high-performing team in place and a first public engagement planned for November.
The Spatial Development Strategy will provide the framework for how the region grows over the next 30 years. The person appointed to this role will have a direct influence on decisions that affect communities, investment, infrastructure and economic prosperity across the region.
Few planning roles offer the opportunity to have this level of impact, visibility and legacy.
Additional information
There is more information in the job description but you can find out more about the Spatial Development Strategy and our wider work to shape the future of the West of England.
Closing and contact information
This role closes at midnight on Sunday 01 November 2026. Interviews will be held on Monday 09 November 2026.
If you have any questions for the recruitment team, please contact Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.
If you'd like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please contact Alex Cobb, Head of Housing and Strategic Planning, at Alex.Cobb@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.
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Planning Policy Lead employer: West of England Mayor
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the heart of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to community impact, and the chance to lead transformative projects that shape the region's future, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion.
