Senior Policy Officer – Planning

Street Food Holdings; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is seeking an experienced planning professional to shape the city-region’s future. You will lead work at a strategic scale, aligning planning with investment and delivery across housing, infrastructure and regeneration.

The role involves shaping the Mayor’s Spatial Development Strategy and collaborating with local authorities, government and private partners to unlock growth and sustainable development.

Qualifications

• Degree in planning or a related discipline and relevant work experience.
• Minimum three years' experience in strategic planning or equivalent environment.
• Strong analytical thinking with ability to interpret evidence and data.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Greater Manchester strategic planning initiatives.
• Coordinate with authorities, government departments and partners.
• Frame housing, infrastructure and regeneration policies for the city-region.

Skills

Strategic planning

GIS

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

Town planning degree

Related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS

Job description

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 city‑region’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.

Our offer:

In return for your hard work, we offer our employees a competitive package as part of our offer.