Senior/Principal Planning Policy Lead

Waterman Aspen; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent health insurance

25 days annual leave

Company pension contribution

Salary sacrifice to buy additional ben

Waterman Aspen Community Day

Commuting mileage contribution

Job summary

Waterman Aspen seeks an experienced Senior/Principal Planner to join its Town Planning team across the UK. You will lead on development plan evidence, policy guidance and stakeholder engagement in a dynamic, client‑facing role.

The position offers permanent, full‑time employment with a flexible approach to secondments and career progression, supported by mentoring and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Town Planning with RTPI Chartered Membership (or working towards chartership).
• Significant post-qualification experience in planning policy in local authority, consultancy, or client-facing environments at Senior/Principal level.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, national policy and statutory procedures, including emerging changes.

Responsibilities

• Lead on preparation, examination, adoption, monitoring and review of Development Plan documents and policy frameworks.
• Manage planning policy evidence studies, including external consultants and delivery oversight.
• Provide clear planning policy advice to client teams, elected members and senior officers.

Skills

Chartered RTPI membership

Senior/Principal level experience

Planning policy expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership / mentoring

Strong communication

Education

Town Planning degree

RTPI chartered member (or working towards)

Job description

Waterman Aspen seeks an experienced Senior/Principal Planner to join its Town Planning team across the UK. You will lead on development plan evidence, policy guidance and stakeholder engagement in a dynamic, client‑facing role.

The position offers permanent, full‑time employment with a flexible approach to secondments and career progression, supported by mentoring and a strong benefits package.