Senior / Principal Planning Policy Officer

Senior to Principal Planning Policy Officer Progression Post

Are you ready to step up to your next career challenge?

We are looking for an experienced Planning Policy Officer with excellent research, communication, and analytical skills to take a senior role within the Local Plan Team.

You will already know where we are with our Local Plan, therefore you have an amazing opportunity to gain invaluable experience and skills working on a Local Plan from the early stages. Experience that will benefit you as you move up in your career.

This is your chance to develop essential skills that will propel your career to new heights. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact and grow professionally with us.

About you

• You are a dynamic, motivated, and organised planning professional with experience in preparing development plan policies and implementing them.
• You will demonstrate a sound knowledge and clear understanding of current law, national policy, and guidance related to development planning.
• You will have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate with colleagues, Councillors, and the community.
• Being politically astute will also serve you well.

Have a look at the other essential criteria in the person specification as you will need to cover these areas in your application, but it’s your approach to work that will be your main asset.

An appointment will be made at either Senior or Principal Planning Officer level depending on your skills and experience but the position is a career progression role. If appointed as a Senior Officer, you can progress to Principal Officer through the annual performance review process.

About us

• Flexibility: We know you have to juggle work and life commitments and our approach to hybrid working is there to support you.
• Wellbeing: When you thrive, Elmbridge thrives, which is why we have developed a strong and varied wellbeing programme for our employees.
• Learning and development: We will create a bespoke learning and development plan for you.
• The package: Not forgetting our excellent pension, discounts with various local businesses, and free employee parking at the Civic Centre. Plus, your birthday off and time off between Christmas and New Year, no annual leave required.

The closing date for applications is 1^st April 2025 at 9:00am. However, this date is given as a guide and is subject to change. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you would like to talk to us about the role, please give Ben James our Local Plan Manager a call on 01372 474200 or email bjames@elmbridge.gov.uk.