Principal Policy & Strategy Officer (Planning)

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Lichfield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An ambitious local authority is seeking a Principal Policy and Strategy Lead to oversee policy development and implementation. This role involves leading the Local Plan's formulation and delivery, collaborating with key stakeholders, and representing the council in various forums. The position offers a supportive environment with hybrid working options, generous leave, and benefits such as a local government pension scheme and private health insurance. If you have a passion for planning and policy, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in your community.

Benefits

Friendly, supportive environment

Hybrid working with flexible patterns

Local government pension scheme

Private health insurance after probation

Generous annual leave entitlement

Discounted access to leisure centres

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Town Planning within a local authority.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing policies and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and delivery of the Local Plan through all stages.
• Draft reports related to the service’s work and present to various audiences.

Skills

Town Planning

Policy Development

Report Writing

Project Management

Relationship Building

Education

Degree in Town and Country Planning

Job description

We’re Lichfield District Council, a local authority in the Heart of England providing services to over 100,000 residents. Our district is a beautiful place to live and work, featuring the historic city centre with the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

Our organisation is ambitious, innovative, and highly driven to excel in all we do.

We aim to foster growth across all key areas by hiring talented individuals. In return, we can build stronger foundations, deliver quality services, and support our long-term objectives.

JOB PURPOSE

Serve as the Principal Policy and Strategy Lead for the specialist policy area, overseeing policy development and implementation. Responsible for developing and executing the Council’s Local Plan and other planning policy documents such as supplementary planning guidance.

Collaborate with the Place & Prosperity Policy & Strategy Team Leader to advise and influence Cabinet, Leadership Team, and wider leadership on policy and strategy development related to spatial policy.

The post holder will coordinate and support team members and manage the Local Plan work programme and related tasks.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the formulation and delivery of the Local Plan through all stages, including planning, development, and monitoring.
2. Prepare and contribute to other spatial planning documents and exercises, including Supplementary Planning Documents, masterplans, development briefs, developer contributions/Community Infrastructure Levy, funding bids, and programmes.
3. Support the Team Leader in ensuring the Council’s strategic vision, aims, and objectives are achieved and remain current.
4. Draft reports related to the service’s work, including responses to national and regional policy reforms, and present these to various audiences.
5. Represent the District Council at meetings, examinations, inquiries, hearings, consultations, and external working groups related to policy and strategy.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

• Degree or equivalent in Town and Country Planning or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in Town Planning within a local authority.
• Knowledge of local government policy and strategy development and implementation.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing policies and strategies.
• Ability to build and develop relationships effectively.
• Strong report writing skills, capable of producing effective strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Experience managing projects from planning through to evaluation.
• Experience with bidding processes and securing funding applications.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US

• Friendly, supportive environment aligned with our values.
• Hybrid working with flexible patterns.
• Local government pension scheme, including life cover—three times your salary if you die in service.
• Private health insurance after probation.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Discounted access to our leisure centres.
• Offices located opposite Lichfield Train Station.
• Free onsite parking.

WHAT NEXT?

Interested candidates should send their CV and supporting statement to [e-mail].

If you require assistance with your application or any part of the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] to discuss reasonable adjustments.

We look forward to hearing from you.