Strategic Planning Lead — Shape Regional Growth & SDS

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

2 days volunteering

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Reduced bus fare

Job summary

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority seeks a Planning Policy Lead to drive the region’s Spatial Development Strategy from concept to adoption. You will work with the Mayor, local authorities, and national partners to shape housing, infrastructure and place-making policy, delivering sustainable growth with a high-performing team.

The role requires strategic planning expertise, political awareness, and strong relationship-building skills to influence across organisations and deliver

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic planning or spatial policy programmes.
• Understanding of legal, technical and political complexities in plan-making.
• Track record of influencing senior stakeholders and building consensus across boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of the West of England's first Spatial Development Strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership for the SDS programme.
• Direct the evidence base, consultation programme and policy development process.
• Build partnerships across local and national government, infrastructure providers and developers.
• Engage with political leaders and senior stakeholders on sensitive issues.
• Guide the SDS through examination and adoption.
• Support delivery of housing, regeneration, transport, climate and economic development priorities.
• Develop and lead a talented, high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic planning

Political awareness

Relationship-building

Team leadership

Public sector experience

Education

RTPI membership

Job description

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority seeks a Planning Policy Lead to drive the region’s Spatial Development Strategy from concept to adoption. You will work with the Mayor, local authorities, and national partners to shape housing, infrastructure and place-making policy, delivering sustainable growth with a high-performing team.

The role requires strategic planning expertise, political awareness, and strong relationship-building skills to influence across organisations and deliver