Hybrid Contract: Principal Policy Planner for Local Plans

Matchtech Group; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Matchtech Group seeks a Principal Policy Planner to lead the preparation of a new Local Plan. You will bring extensive planning policy experience and manage complex, evidence-based projects in a contract role.

You will commission and oversee external consultants, interpret evidence, and advise internal teams. Hybrid working with weekly Maidenhead Town Hall attendance and potential part-time hours completes the profile.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning policy, especially Local Plan preparation.
• Strong knowledge of the planning system and Local Plan processes.
• Experience producing or managing technical evidence for Local Plans.
• Experience procuring consultants and managing procurement processes.
• Understanding of Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and HELAA reports.
• Local authority or public sector planning experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development and preparation of a new Local Plan.
• Commission, procure and manage specialist evidence studies and external consultants.
• Manage and interpret evidence including SFRA, Housing and Economic Needs Assessments, retail and town centre studies, and HELAA reports.
• Provide expert planning policy advice to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, policy documents and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Contribute to Local Plan consultations, public examinations and related planning processes.
• Give evidence at public inquiries where required.
• Manage complex policy work and deliver outputs on time.

Skills

Planning policy

Local Plan prep

Stakeholder management

Evidence-based studies

Procurement management

Public inquiries

Job description

Matchtech Group seeks a Principal Policy Planner to lead the preparation of a new Local Plan. You will bring extensive planning policy experience and manage complex, evidence-based projects in a contract role.

You will commission and oversee external consultants, interpret evidence, and advise internal teams. Hybrid working with weekly Maidenhead Town Hall attendance and potential part-time hours completes the profile.