Senior Policy Planner

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Brentwood; Hybrid; GBP 1,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Brentwood is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Planner to provide expert support on complex planning projects. The role involves leading significant infrastructure schemes, such as the Norwich to Tilbury Development Consent Order and Gypsy and Traveller planning policies. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of planning legislation, excellent communication and negotiation skills, along with project management expertise. The position offers a full-time contract, hybrid working options, and a competitive monthly salary.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working within a local authority planning policy team.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation and national policy.
• Experience representing a local authority at public examinations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Council's participation in the Norwich to Tilbury DCO Examination.
• Manage the Council's response to the Lower Thames Crossing DCO.
• Support the development of Gypsy and Traveller planning policy.

Skills

Planning legislation knowledge

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related discipline

Chartered Membership of the RTPI (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Job Summary

Brentwood Borough Council is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Planner (Strategic Planning Consultant) to provide expert support across a range of complex and high-profile planning projects.

This role is central to progressing the Council's strategic planning objectives including involvement in major infrastructure schemes such as the Norwich to Tilbury and Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Orders (DCOs) and the delivery of key planning policies relating to Gypsy and Traveller provision Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 (S106) matters.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of planning policy infrastructure planning and development management processes and will be confident representing the Council in hearings examinations and engagement with senior officers and elected members.

Key Duties / Accountabilities

• Lead the Council's participation in the Norwich to Tilbury DCO Examination in Public representing the authority at hearings and preparing written submissions.
• Coordinate and manage the Council's response to the Lower Thames Crossing DCO including reviewing key documents and reporting to senior officers.
• Support the development of Gypsy and Traveller planning policy ensuring alignment with legal frameworks and local needs.
• Contribute to the management and governance of CIL and S106 developer contributions assisting in the preparation of an Infrastructure Investment Plan.
• Provide clear and accurate planning policy advice to senior officers elected members and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and present technical reports policy documents and consultation responses to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams statutory bodies and external consultants to ensure effective coordination of strategic planning activities.
• Maintain awareness of national planning policy changes and legislative developments affecting the Council's planning functions.

Skills / Experience

• Proven experience working within a local authority planning policy team or similar environment.
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation national policy and DCO processes.
• Experience representing a local authority or organisation at public examinations or hearings.
• Strong understanding of CIL S106 agreements and infrastructure planning.
• Excellent communication negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously often to tight deadlines.
• High level of professional integrity and ability to provide clear evidence-based advice.

Additional Information

Degree in Town Planning Urban Planning or related discipline (essential).

Chartered Membership of the RTPI or working towards it (desirable).

Location

Brentwood Essex (hybrid working may be considered).

Hours

37 hours per week (Monday to Friday 09:00 17:30).

Required Skills

• Proven experience working within a local authority planning policy team or similar -depth knowledge of planning legislation national policy and DCO processes. Experience representing a local authority or organisation at public examinations or hearings. Strong understanding of CIL S106 agreements and infrastructure planning. Excellent communication negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously often to tight deadlines. High level of professional integrity and ability to provide clear evidence-based advice.

Required Education

Full member of CCAB or equivalent accountancy qualification in formal Continuing Professional.

Key Skills

Presentation Skills,Six Sigma,Construction Estimating,Earned Value Management,Emergency Management,Joint Operations,Production Planning,Project Planning,Strategic Planning,Microsoft Project,Auto Estimating,Exercise Planning

Employment Type

Full Time

Experience

years

Vacancy

1

Monthly Salary Salary

47 - 47