Principal Policy Planner

Matchtech Group; Thatcham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Matchtech Group seeks a Principal Policy Planner to lead the preparation of a new Local Plan. You will bring extensive planning policy experience and manage complex, evidence-based projects in a contract role.

You will commission and oversee external consultants, interpret evidence, and advise internal teams. Hybrid working with weekly Maidenhead Town Hall attendance and potential part-time hours completes the profile.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in planning policy, especially Local Plan preparation.
• Strong knowledge of the planning system and Local Plan processes.
• Experience producing or managing technical evidence for Local Plans.
• Experience procuring consultants and managing procurement processes.
• Understanding of Strategic Flood Risk Assessments and HELAA reports.
• Local authority or public sector planning experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.

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, Housing and Economic Needs Assessments, retail and town centre studies, and HELAA reports.
• Provide expert planning policy advice to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, policy documents and recommendations to support decision-making.
• 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 on time.

Skills

Planning policy

Local Plan prep

Stakeholder management

Evidence-based studies

Procurement management

Public inquiries

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

This is a niche opportunity for an experienced Principal Policy Planner who can quickly add value and take ownership of complex Local Plan and evidence-base work.