Senior Strategic Planner

Rochford District Council; Essex; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking local authority as a Senior Strategic Planner, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the community. This dynamic position involves leading the development of planning policies, engaging with stakeholders, and conducting vital research. You'll work in a supportive environment that values innovation and collaboration, contributing to essential housing and infrastructure projects. If you're passionate about public service and eager to make a real impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing development plan documents and planning policies.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct research.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of policies for the new Local Plan.
• Conduct surveys and monitor housing and employment land.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Policy Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Research and Evidence Gathering

Education

Degree in Planning or Related Field

Postgraduate Qualification in Planning

Job description

About us

We are a proactive local planning authority in South Essex, with a comprehensive Local Development Plan that supports and directs the district's growth and prosperity up to 2025. We are actively preparing a new Local Plan to deliver ambitious growth and shape our future communities.

Our Strategic Planning Team is dynamic and capable, providing a supportive and welcoming working environment. Rochford District Council collaborates with Brentwood Borough Council, also located in South Essex, under the OneTeam approach. This partnership offers additional opportunities for experience and career progression.

The role

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for someone looking to join a forward-thinking local authority committed to delivering excellent public services.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Strategic Planner to join our dynamic Strategic Planning Team. In this role, you will lead and contribute to the preparation of development plan documents, including the new Local Plan.

You will work closely with various stakeholders, prepare reports and evidence base documents, and support public consultation exercises. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future development of our district.

Occasionally, you may need to work evenings or weekends to participate in community engagement events or attend committee meetings.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to the preparation of sound policies and proposals for the new Local Plan.
• Support and lead the preparation of other planning policy documents, including Supplementary Planning Documents and the Statement of Community Involvement.
• Design, organise, and conduct surveys, housing and employment land monitoring, and research/evidence gathering.
• Represent the Council in cross-boundary and partnership working.
• Prepare briefs for consultants, manage their work, and ensure it meets the requirements of the brief.
• Support the delivery of strategically important housing, economic, and infrastructure developments.
• Liaise with stakeholders, landowners, developers, and consultants in preparing planning policy documents.
• Prepare evidence for and participate in committee meetings, public examinations, and public inquiries as an expert witness.
• Provide specialist planning advice and deliver training for Members.
• Continue professional development through courses, seminars, and briefings.

Our culture and values

We like our staff to be proactive and innovative. Being customer focused and willing to maximise your potential at work are expected. We all work together to achieve the very best for our residents which sometimes means getting involved in projects and trying new tasks outside of your day to day job role. We love our staff to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences.

Further information

Detailed information around the role and its responsibilities can be found in the accompanying Job Profile and Person Specification.

Please note - starting salary will be dependent upon skills and qualifications, progression subject to satisfactory performance.

For an informal discussion about this vacancy please contact Jonathan Quilter, Corporate Manager – Strategic Planning on 01277 312735.