Principal Policy Planner

Matchtech; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Principal Policy Planner on behalf of a client to support the preparation of a new Local Plan. The role requires substantial planning policy experience and a proven ability to manage complex, evidence-based projects with external consultants.

The successful candidate will provide expert planning policy advice, develop clear policy documents and contribute to consultations and examinations. Hybrid working with weekly attendance at Maidenhead Town Hall is expected.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning policy and Local Plan preparation.
• Strong knowledge of the planning system, Local Plan processes and policy.
• Experience producing or managing technical evidence for Local Plans.
• Experience procuring consultants and managing procurement processes.
• Understanding of HELAA, Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, housing and economic needs, and retail studies.
• Experience in Local Plan public examinations or giving evidence at public inquiries is desirable.
• Local authority or wider public sector planning experience preferred; private sector considered.

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, HELAA, housing/economic needs, retail and town centre studies.
• Provide expert planning policy and town planning advice to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare clear reports, policy documents and recommendations to support decisions.
• 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 within agreed timescales.

Skills

Planning policy

Local Plan development

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Report writing

Communication skills

Job description

Our client is seeking a Principal Policy Planner for a specialist contract role supporting the preparation of a new Local Plan. The successful applicant will bring substantial experience in planning policy, town planning and managing complex evidence-based projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the development and preparation of a new Local Plan
• Commissioning, procuring and managing specialist evidence studies and external consultants
• Managing and interpreting evidence including Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, Housing and Economic Needs Assessments, retail and town centre studies, and Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessments
• Providing expert planning policy and town planning advice to internal teams and stakeholders
• Preparing clear reports, policy documents and recommendations to support decision-making
• Contributing to Local Plan consultations, public examinations and related planning processes
• Giving evidence at public inquiries where required
• Managing complex policy planning work and delivering high-quality outputs within agreed timescales

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience in planning policy, particularly Local Plan preparation
• Strong knowledge of the planning system, Local Plan processes and relevant planning policy
• Experience producing or managing technical evidence for Local Plans
• Experience procuring consultants and managing procurement processes
• Understanding of Strategic Flood Risk Assessments, housing and economic needs, retail and town centre studies, and HELAA reports
• Experience participating in a Local Plan public examination or giving evidence at a public inquiry is desirable
• Local authority or wider public sector planning experience is strongly preferred, although relevant private sector experience may be considered
• Excellent communication, report writing, analytical and stakeholder management skills

Working Arrangements:

• Contract position with flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working, with the team generally working remotely
• Attendance at Maidenhead Town Hall at least one day per week, currently on Thursdays
• Part-time working of approximately 28 hours per week may be considered