Minerals & Waste Principal Officer Policy

Neway International Ltd; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government council is seeking a Minerals & Waste Principal Officer Policy in Taunton. This leadership role involves the development and review of planning policies related to minerals and waste, providing expert advice, and managing complex planning matters. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, excellent communication skills, and a strong planning background. This position offers a hybrid work pattern and is temporary, with a rate of £49.09 per hour (PAYE).

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of minerals and waste planning legislation and policy.
• Knowledge of environmental impacts and sustainable development principles.
• Proven experience in a planning role, ideally within minerals and waste.
• Experience handling complex planning applications.
• Experience preparing and presenting reports to planning committees.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, monitoring, and review of the Mineral Plan and Waste Core Strategy.
• Support development of the wider Somerset Local Plan.
• Commission and oversee external consultants.
• Provide expert advice on minerals and waste planning policy.
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform policy development.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities

Ability to interpret and apply planning legislation and policy

Proficiency with planning and mapping software

Strong organisational and time-management skills

Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders

High-quality report writing and presentation skills

Ability to manage and resolve conflicts

Education

Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Science, or related field

Membership of RTPI or equivalent professional body

Postgraduate qualification in a related discipline

Tools

Planning and mapping software

Job description

Neway International are seeking a Minerals & Waste Principal Officer Policy (Grade 8) – Planning to join our client based with Somerset Council.

Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY

Hours: 37 hours per week

Start Date: 12 January 2026

Duration: 10 weeks

Employment Type: Temporary

Work Pattern: Hybrid – 1–2 days office‑based

Rate: PAYE £49.09 per hour / Umbrella £68.33 per hour

About the Client

Somerset Council’s Community Place & Economy directorate plays a central role in shaping sustainable development across the county. The Minerals & Waste Planning service leads on policy development, strategic planning, and regulatory oversight for mineral extraction, waste management, and related environmental considerations. The team works collaboratively with local communities, developers, national bodies, and internal services to ensure Somerset’s long‑term environmental, economic, and social interests are protected.

The Role

The Minerals & Waste Principal Officer Policy will lead the development, monitoring, and review of planning policies relating to minerals and waste across Somerset. This senior role requires expert knowledge, strategic oversight, and the ability to manage complex and high‑profile planning matters. You will provide authoritative advice, lead public consultations, prepare statutory reports, and represent the Council at public inquiries and national forums. The role also includes supervising junior staff and ensuring high‑quality, timely planning responses.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, monitoring, and review of the Mineral Plan and Waste Core Strategy.
• Support development of the wider Somerset Local Plan.
• Commission and oversee external consultants delivering evidence bases and topic papers.
• Provide expert advice on minerals and waste planning policy and safeguarding.
• Lead the Policy team in reviewing planning submissions.
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform policy development.
• Produce and publish statutory reports (e.g., Local Aggregate Assessment, Authority Monitoring Report).
• Act as Lead Officer for Nuclear Legacy matters, representing Somerset Council at relevant forums.
• Liaise with Economic Development to ensure consistent and complementary practice.
• Oversee public consultations and stakeholder engagement.
• Prepare and present reports to planning committees.
• Represent the Council at public inquiries, appeals, and external forums.
• Mentor and supervise junior staff.
• Monitor mineral and waste sites for compliance with planning permissions and legal agreements.
• Investigate and address planning breaches.
• Contribute to local planning policies and strategies, including those of partner organisations.
• Manage complex and controversial planning consultations, ensuring correct sign‑off.
• Take delegated decisions on planning responses.
• Ensure team performance targets for response times are met.

Corporate Responsibilities

• Provide leadership aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities and financial objectives.
• Advise Elected Members on operational and policy matters.
• Promote flexible, inclusive, and responsive ways of working.
• Represent the Council to protect and promote its interests.
• Develop and monitor performance frameworks and quality standards.
• Act as an ambassador for the Council’s vision, aims, and values.
• Champion equality, diversity, and customer responsiveness.
• Support transformational change programmes across the service.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, policies, and professional standards.
• Uphold health and safety responsibilities in line with Council policies.

Candidate Requirements

Knowledge

• In‑depth understanding of minerals and waste planning legislation and policy (E).
• Knowledge of environmental impacts and sustainable development principles (E).
• Familiarity with local, regional, and national planning frameworks (E).
• Understanding of land‑use planning and development control processes (E).
• Awareness of health and safety regulations for site inspections (D).
• Understanding of public consultation and stakeholder engagement processes (E).

Experience

• Proven experience in a planning role, ideally within minerals and waste (E).
• Experience handling complex planning applications (E).
• Experience conducting site inspections and monitoring compliance (E).
• Experience preparing and presenting reports to planning committees (E).
• Experience representing an organisation at public inquiries and appeals (E).
• Experience developing and implementing planning policies and strategies (E).

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Science, or related field (E).
• Membership of RTPI or equivalent professional body (E).
• Postgraduate qualification in a related discipline (D).
• Certification in environmental impact assessment (D).
• Training in public inquiry and appeal processes (D).

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills (E).
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities (E).
• Ability to interpret and apply planning legislation and policy (E).
• Proficiency with planning and mapping software (E).
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills (E).
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders (E).
• High‑quality report writing and presentation skills (E).
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts (E).