Senior Planning Officer - Policy

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Dudley; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to join their Planning Policy team. The role involves preparing the Local Plan, engaging in consultations, and advising stakeholders on planning policies. Candidates should have excellent negotiation skills, communication skills, and either RTPI accreditation or equivalent experience. This opportunity offers hybrid working and professional development within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working time

30 days leave entitlement

Season ticket for car parking

Supportive environment for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience working within a planning policy environment.
• Sufficient post qualification experience for RTPI membership eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the Local Plan and other policy documents.
• Participate in consultation events and independent examinations.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders on planning policy issues.

Skills

Excellent negotiation skills

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

RTPI accreditation or equivalent experience

Job description

Are you ready for a new challenge? If so, this could be for you as a great opportunity to work as a Senior Planning Officer at Dudley MBC has arisen within the Planning Policy team.

Dudley is considered the historic capital of the Black Country. An area with a rich heritage, located near many towns and cities, as well as green spaces, making it the perfect place to work and live. Dudley is currently undergoing a period of growth, which will continue with the extension of the Midland Metro, and the emerging Local Plan is at the examination stage. The position offers an ideal career opportunity to gain valuable experience working in an urban authority.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual who has excellent negotiation and communication skills, as well as a flair for problem solving. You should be a RTPI accredited professional or have sufficient post qualification experience to be eligible for charted membership of the RTPI and have experience working within a planning policy environment.

More specifically:

Working within the planning policy team, you will play an important role in the preparation of the Local Plan and other policy documents, including research, policy formulation and participation in consultation events and independent examinations. The team is currently working on the Dudley Local Plan which is currently at the examination stage. This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to be involved in setting the strategy for growth and the policies that will serve the area for the next 15+ years. You will also be involved in the preparation of supplementary planning documents, masterplans and development briefs. You will provide advice on planning policy issues to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders - including elected members, developers and government agencies. You should have experience of working within a planning policy environment.

Hours: 37 per week

Salary: £42,839 - £46,142

Contract: Full Time Permanent

Location: Hybrid working – from home and office: Council House, Priory Road, Dudley

Benefits we offer:

• Planning Services operate an agile working environment and offers flexible working time with the ability to accrue flexi-time leave.
• Leave entitlement of 30 days, rising by a 4 further days after 5 years continuous service.
• Season tickets for car parking facilities are provided along with mileage allowance.
• The service offers a supportive environment with the ability to experience a wide variety of work streams and application types within an experienced and diverse team. Continued professional development is a strong part of the planning services ethos and is actively encouraged.

For further information please contact Elizabeth Vesty, Principal Planning Officer, on 01384 817213 or via email: [e-mail]

Interviews likely to be held week commencing 17th November 2025.

Dudley MBC is committed to diversity and inclusion. To improve bias in the recruitment process, your personal data will be anonymised when you apply. Please ensure you have removed your name and date of birth from any attachments prior to uploading them to your application.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

If you require support completing an online or paper application form and/or interview techniques, please contact Dudley Adult and Community Learning on 01384 818 143 or [e-mail] who can support with Digital Skills and Job Applications.

Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.

Dudley Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.