Principal Planner - Policy

Newark and Sherwood District Council; Newark on Trent; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Free car parking

Gym membership

Generous annual leave

Volunteer leave

Health cash plan

Job summary

Newark and Sherwood District Council is seeking a Principal Planner to lead the policy work for the new Local Plan. You will shape strategic planning policy, manage a small team, and collaborate with partners to deliver complex plan-making outcomes.

The role requires a degree in planning with Chartered Membership of RTPI (or eligibility within 1 year). This fixed-term 24-month contract offers hybrid working and a generous benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in planning or a related field.
• Chartered Membership of RTPI or eligible within 1 year.
• Proven experience delivering policy and strategy in planning.
• Experience leading teams on complex plan-making initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead on developing the new Local Plan and policy framework.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver planning outcomes.
• Oversee complex plan-making initiatives and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Skills

Policy development

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Complex problem solving

Education

Degree in Planning

Chartered RTPI membership or eligible

Job description

Principal Planner – Policy

Fixed term contract for 24 months with the possibility to become permanent

Full time, 37 hours per week

Salary NS13 £46,579 to £48,738 per annum

We are now recruiting for a Principal Planner to take a leading role in developing our new Local Plan. You will be a motivated and experienced planning professional, with a strong ability to tackle complex planning challenges and lead others in developing effective plans.

You will have extensive experience of working in Planning with a track record of having delivered new policy and strategy. As a ‘front runner’ authority you will have the opportunity to lead on significant and complex elements of plan making in the new plan making system. You will be educated to degree level and hold Chartered Membership of RTPI, or equivalent body, or be eligible to attain and seek full Chartered membership of the RTPI within 1 year of appointment.

We’re an ambitious, forward-thinking Council with strong values and a culture of doing our absolute best to serve our customers. We are proud of our organisational culture and receive positive feedback from our employees. We have a programme of internal activity to ensure that the voices of our employees are always heard and that they are kept informed on all Council activity and events. From roadshows to an annual award ceremony, from reviewing working arrangements to regular craft sessions, it is incredibly important our employees are shown how valued they are and that they remain the beating heart of our workplace.

We offer:

• Enrolment in the career average local government pension scheme.
• Flexi scheme.
• Hybrid working.
• A generous annual leave entitlement that increases with service.
• Family-friendly benefits.
• One days’ paid volunteering leave.
• Lifestyle benefits platform.
• Funded health cash plan.
• Free car parking to 31 March 2028
• £10 a month gym membership at one of our gyms in the district.

You will be working with a professional, committed and experienced team who are passionate about supporting us to deliver the objectives as outlined in our Community Plan.

As an employer we will promote an inclusive working environment to maintain and develop a forward thinking and diverse workforce.

Veterans/family of forces/ex-forces, those in care/care leavers, and candidates who declare disabilities (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) will be guaranteed interviews provided they have demonstrated that they meet the essential criteria of the post as detailed in the Person Specifications on their application forms.

Closing Date: 25 September 2026

Test & Interview: TBC