Principal Planning Policy Officer

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council; Borough of Runnymede; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK local authority is seeking a Senior Compliance Policy Officer to manage innovative policies aimed at connecting generation and demand to the electricity network. The role involves stakeholder engagement, leading projects to facilitate connections reform, and drafting communication materials. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in policy development within the Transmission Electricity sector, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. This permanent role offers hybrid working after an initial period.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in developing policy changes, particularly in Transmission Electricity Network Development.
• Knowledge of legal parameters and land rights processes.
• Ability to utilize quantitative and qualitative evidence for complex issue presentation.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop policy changes for Connections Reform.
• Engage with stakeholders to address challenges.
• Lead projects aligned with connections reform methodologies.
• Conduct readiness and planning checks.
• Train the policy team on best practices.
• Draft communication materials for internal use.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Job description

Transmission Policy Change Team – Senior Compliance Policy Officer (Transmission)

As a pivotal member of the Transmission Policy Change team, you will play a crucial role in managing the connection of generation and demand to GB's high voltage electricity network. You will be instrumental in implementing innovative policies and electricity code changes that will revolutionise how customers connect to the grid, all while driving towards the government's Clean Power by 2030 target.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop tactical policy changes to facilitate Connections Reform.
• Engage with key internal and external stakeholders, including Transmission Owners and OFGEM, to address challenges and drive change.
• Lead a portfolio of projects, ensuring alignment with connections reform methodologies.
• Conduct readiness checks, land rights, and planning status checks as per the Connections Design Methodology.
• Train and support the policy team in best practices for readiness checks.
• Draft internal and external communication materials, including SOPs and customer support resources.
• Analyse complex issues and present findings effectively to diverse audiences.

Technical Knowledge & Qualifications

• Familiarity with connecting major generation and demand to the network.
• Significant experience in developing policy changes in a major programme environment, particularly in Transmission Electricity Network Development.
• Knowledge of legal parameters, consenting regimes, and land rights processes relevant to complex projects.
• Ability to utili​ze quantitative and qualitative evidence to form independent viewpoints and present complex issues clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage a diverse audience, including senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and identify risks promptly.

Work Arrangement

Hours per Week: 37.5
Work Pattern: 8.00am – 4.30pm / 8.30am – 5.00pm (typical)
Contract: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Available after 2 months (up to 2 days WFH per week)