Senior Strategic Planner

Essex County Council; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior Strategic Planner on a 6-month contract, 2-3 days a week, with remote work options. The role will lead the development of planning policy documents, including the new Local Plan. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in local plan preparation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. This position requires a proactive approach to contribute to key planning projects, making a significant impact within the Council.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Local Plan preparation and policy development.
• Experience in strategic planning within a local authority or consultancy.
• Ability to manage complex projects and engage effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of planning policy documents.
• Undertake research and support evidence-based policy development.
• Represent the Council in partnership working.
• Prepare briefs for consultants and oversee delivery of work.
• Liaise with stakeholders to inform policy development.
• Provide specialist planning advice to teams and elected Members.

Skills

Local Plan preparation

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Job description

Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Rochford District Council to recruit a Senior Strategic Planner on a 6‑month temporary basis / 2‑3 days a week. This role can be considered on a fully remote basis. The opportunity will contribute to the delivery of key planning policy projects, including the preparation of the new Local Plan and associated evidence base. The successful candidate will report to the Corporate Manager and take a lead on specific workstreams, providing regular updates on progress and outcomes. This opportunity ideally requires one day per week based in the office and the remainder working from home.

Accountabilities

• Lead and contribute to the development of planning policy documents, including the emerging Local Plan and Supplementary Planning Documents.
• Undertake research, surveys, and monitoring activities to support evidence‑based policy development.
• Represent the Council in cross‑boundary and partnership working.
• Prepare briefs for consultants and oversee delivery of commissioned work.
• Liaise with stakeholders, developers, and landowners to inform policy development.
• Prepare and present evidence for committee meetings and public examinations.
• Provide specialist planning advice to internal teams and elected Members.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Local Plan preparation and policy development.
• Experience of working in a local authority or consultancy environment on strategic planning matters.
• Ability to manage complex projects and engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Detailed knowledge of relevant Acts and Regulations.

Our Culture and Values

At Rochford District Council we like our workforce 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 team to suggest new ideas and to have enthusiasm to try out new experiences.