Planning Policy Officer

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council; Rawmarsh; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is seeking an experienced Planning Policy Officer to help shape the borough's Local Plan and guide investment, housing growth, and environmental protection. You will develop planning policy, lead evidence-based workstreams, and work with partners and communities to deliver a strategic vision for growth.

You will coordinate with planning policy managers, manage complex projects, and provide professional advice to senior officers and elected members, while

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
• Strong understanding of national planning policy and legislation.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Experience developing and managing evidence bases.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to provide clear professional advice to senior officers and elected members.
• Collaborative approach and passion for delivering positive outcomes for communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead major policy projects and evidence‑based workstreams for Local Plan.
• Develop planning policy and supporting evidence.
• Shape strategic growth across the borough.
• Manage complex projects from inception through examination.
• Collaborate with elected members, developers, consultees and communities.
• Prepare reports and present findings to committees and examinations.
• Mentor and support colleagues within the team.
• Influence regional strategic planning discussions.

Skills

Planning policy

Local Plan

Policy development

Project management

Evidence base

Stakeholder engagement

Advisory skills

Collaboration

Education

Level 7 Planning qualification

Job description

This is an exciting time to join Rotherham's Planning Policy Team. We're embarking on the preparation of a new Local Plan, creating a rare opportunity for an experienced planning professional to play a leading role in shaping how the borough grows and develops over the coming decades. If you are passionate about place-making, strategic planning and delivering positive change, we would love to hear from you. As a Planning Policy Officer, you will be at the heart of one of the Council's most significant projects, helping to develop the planning policies, evidence base and strategic vision that will guide future investment, housing growth, employment opportunities and environmental protection across Rotherham.

About the Role

Working closely with the Planning Policy Manager and Assistant Planning Policy Managers, you will lead major policy projects and evidence‑based workstreams that support the preparation and delivery of Rotherham's new Local Plan.

• Lead the development of planning policy and supporting evidence.
• Help shape strategic growth across the borough.
• Manage complex projects from inception through to examination.
• Work with elected members, developers, statutory consultees, local communities and neighbouring authorities.
• Prepare reports and present findings to senior officers, committees and public examinations.
• Mentor and support colleagues within the team.
• Influence regional and strategic planning discussions that affect Rotherham's future.

This is a highly visible role offering genuine opportunities to influence decision‑making and leave a lasting legacy on the borough.

We're looking for a motivated and experienced planning professional who can bring:

• Significant experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
• A strong understanding of national planning policy and legislation.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Experience of developing and managing evidence bases.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• The confidence to provide clear professional advice to senior officers and elected members.
• A collaborative approach and passion for delivering positive outcomes for communities.

A Level 7 qualification in Planning or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) is essential. Membership of the RTPI is desirable.

This is more than a planning policy role. It's an opportunity to help shape the future of Rotherham. You'll join a supportive and forward‑thinking team that is committed to delivering sustainable growth, protecting and enhancing our environment, and creating thriving communities. At a time of significant change within the planning system, you'll be involved in challenging and rewarding work that will directly influence Rotherham's future. If you're looking for a role where your expertise can make a genuine difference, we'd like to hear from you. Join us and help create the vision for Rotherham's next Local Plan.