Strategic Planner

About Us: 

We are a proactive local planning authority in South Essex, with a comprehensive Local Development Plan that supports and directs the district's growth and prosperity up to 2025. We are actively preparing a new Local Plan to deliver ambitious growth and shape our future communities. 

Our Strategic Planning Team is dynamic and capable, providing a supportive and welcoming working environment. Rochford District Council collaborates with Brentwood Borough Council, also located in South Essex, under the OneTeam approach. This partnership offers additional opportunities for experience and career progression. 

The Role: 

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for someone looking to join a forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering excellent public services. 

As a member of the Strategic Planning Team, you will work on the preparation of development plan documents, including a new Local Plan. Once adopted, these documents will establish the policies against which planning applications are assessed. 

Your role will involve assisting with the monitoring of the Council’s existing Local Plan and supporting the development of new plans. This includes contributing to technical evidence on a range of subjects. 

You will also help organise and run public consultation exercises associated with the preparation of development plan documents. 

Occasionally, you may need to work evenings or weekends to participate in community engagement events or attend committee meetings. 

This position is part of a Career Matrix role, offering the successful candidate the opportunity for accelerated pay progression upon the successful completion of defined tasks, technical and professional development, and an assessment of competencies and behaviours.

Our culture and values:

We like our staff to be proactive and innovative. Being customer focused and willing to maximise your potential at work are expected. We all work together to achieve the very best for our residents which sometimes means getting involved in projects and trying new tasks outside of your day to day job role. We love our staff to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences. 

Further information: 

Detailed information around the role and its responsibilities can be found in the accompanying Job Profile and Person Specification.

For an informal discussion about this vacancy please contact Jonathan Quilter, Corporate Manager – Strategic Planning on 01277 312735.

Please note - starting salary will be dependent upon skills and qualifications (progression subject to satisfactory performance).

Rochford District Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification.