Senior Planning Officer - North Northamptonshire Council

Belmont Recruitment; Kettering; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer in Kettering to lead key planning policy projects and engage stakeholders. The role requires strong skills in planning policy and project management. Join a collaborative team to influence future developments in your community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in planning policy, ideally within a local authority.
• Strong understanding of local plan making, policy implementation, and evidence-based planning.
• Ability to prepare formal planning documents and represent the council in formal settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage policy workstreams and major projects.
• Provide expert advice on complex planning applications.
• Engage communities and stakeholders in planning policy development.

Skills

Planning policy experience

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Job description

Overview

Senior Planning Officer - North Northamptonshire Council

Location: Municipal Offices, Kettering, NN15 7QX

Rate: £285 per day

Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract Length: 3 months

Start Date: ASAP

Purpose of the Role

We\'re looking for a skilled and driven Senior Planning Officer to join the Planning Policy team at North Northamptonshire Council. This is a dynamic and rewarding role where you\'ll play a vital part in shaping sustainable growth and future development across the region.

You\'ll lead and support key planning policy projects, engage stakeholders, prepare evidence-based guidance, and help guide the council\'s strategic planning efforts through examinations, adoption, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage policy workstreams and major projects, including evidence-based documents and local plan objectives.
• Undertake research to build strong evidence bases for both borough-wide and place-specific policy.
• Engage communities and stakeholders in planning policy development through public participation and consultations.
• Provide expert advice on complex planning applications, local development frameworks, and strategic documents.
• Represent the Council at planning appeals, hearings, and public exhibitions.
• Maintain monitoring systems and analyse planning data to support decision-making and trend analysis.
• Support special planning projects and corporate initiatives including Infrastructure Delivery Plans.
• Procure and manage external consultants through well-prepared commissioning briefs.
• Support the use of GIS and IT tools in planning policy functions.

What You\'ll Bring

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in planning policy, ideally within a local authority.
• Strong understanding of local plan making, policy implementation, and evidence-based planning.
• Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to prepare formal planning documents, appeal statements, and represent the council in formal settings.
• Strategic thinking and ability to handle complex planning issues confidently.

Why Join Us?

At North Northamptonshire Council, you\'ll be part of a forward-thinking, collaborative team working on high-impact projects that shape our communities. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference, using your planning expertise to influence the future of the region.

General Responsibilities

• Promote and support equality, diversity, and safeguarding practices.
• Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing of yourself and others.
• Flexibility to carry out other relevant duties in line with the role\'s scope and purpose.

If you\'re an experienced planning professional ready to take on a key policy role in a progressive council - we\'d love to hear from you