Senior Policy Officer - Planning

GMCA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

GMCA is seeking a Senior Policy Officer - Planning to help shape Greater Manchester’s future. The role involves leading strategic planning work, preparing the Mayor’s Spatial Development Strategy, and working with local authorities, government departments and private partners to deliver inclusive, sustainable growth.

A degree in town planning and at least three years in strategic planning are preferred, with hybrid working across Manchester and offices in the region.

Qualifications

• Degree in town planning or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in strategic planning within government/local government.
• Strong analytical and spatial planning awareness.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead work shaping the future of Greater Manchester at city-region scale.
• Prepare the Mayor's Spatial Development Strategy and related statutory frameworks.
• Collaborate with local authorities, government departments and private partners to unlock growth.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Spatial planning

Policy development

Communication skills

GIS

MS Office

Education

Town planning degree

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Policy Officer - Planning x 2

Permanent

£40,444 - £44,253

Your role:

Help Shape the Future of Greater Manchester in one of the most influential strategic planning roles in the UK

Greater Manchester is entering an exciting new phase of devolution, investment and growth. As one of the UK’s leading city-regions, we are at the forefront of shaping how places can deliver sustainable growth, unlock investment and improve opportunities for communities.

We are looking for exceptional strategic planning professionals to join our Place Directorate and help deliver this ambition. At a pivotal moment for Greater Manchester and the wider planning system, you will lead work that will shape the future of the city-region for decades to come.

A key part of the role will be the preparation of the Mayor’s first Spatial Development Strategy, providing the statutory framework that will guide housing, employment, infrastructure and regeneration across Greater Manchester. Working at the intersection of planning, investment and delivery, you will play a central role in ensuring we have the strategic plans and partnerships needed to support ambitious, inclusive and sustainable growth.

These are unique Greater Manchester opportunities to operate at city-region scale, aligning strategic planning with major investment programmes, infrastructure priorities and growth initiatives. Working closely with local authorities, government departments, elected leaders and private-sector partners, you will help unlock new homes, jobs and transformational regeneration opportunities across Greater Manchester.

About you:

You're a planning professional with a strong understanding of the UK’s planning system and a genuine interest in shaping places at a strategic scale. You bring knowledge of national planning policy, legislation and planning processes, alongside an appreciation of the unique context in which the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Planning and Housing Team operates and the Mayor's strategic planning powers.

You stay informed about current planning issues and understand the opportunities and challenges facing Greater Manchester's communities, economy and environment. You're comfortable working with a wide range of evidence and data relating to planning, housing, environmental, economic and social issues, using insight to support sound decision-making and policy development.

Ideally, you'll hold a degree in town planning or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and have at least three years' experience working in strategic planning or a similar environment within government, local government or a comparable organisation.

You are an analytical thinker with strong spatial and strategic planning awareness. You communicate clearly and confidently, both in writing and in person, and are comfortable using a range of digital tools, including Microsoft Office applications and GIS software. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, can manage competing priorities and unexpected demands, and bring a proactive, positive approach to solving problems and delivering results.

Most importantly, you're motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference to the future growth, development and prosperity of Greater Manchester.

About us:

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) brings together the cityregion’s ten councils and key partners including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) - to deliver the Greater Manchester Strategy. Our shared vision is to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. We work to grow an inclusive economy and ensure people have what they need to live happy, healthy lives, tackling inequalities. Our policy department include Digital, Economy, Education, Work & Skills, Environment, Place Making, Public Service Reform, and Safer & Stronger Communities - who are supported by our essential corporate functions like Finance, Legal & Governance, People Services, Procurement and Communications.

We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, Trans status and Non-binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Mandatory Information:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment, if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure fair selection process.

Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.

For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licenced sponsor.

Hybrid working

This role is part of GMCA’s hybrid working scheme. As part of our commitment to ‘Build Back Fairer’ in Greater Manchester following the Covid-19 pandemic, we have evolved our management methods by trusting and empowering staff to deliver their work in the best way that suits the business and their individual needs, and supports health and wellbeing. Our hybrid working policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our Manchester city centre office, allocated GM Local Authority office(s), or on site in the community, with remote working, typically from home (within a reasonable commutable distance from Greater Manchester); the location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business: ‘Do what is right for you and the business on that day’. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.

Supporting Documents

Role Profile