Full job descriptionWe are currently seeking an experienced Planning Policy Manager to join a Local Authority on an interim basis. This opportunity sits within strategic planning, local plan preparation, place-making, and development policy, with responsibility for leading the delivery and review of the Council’s statutory planning framework.


Start: ASAP
Duration: 3 – 6 Months
Rate: Negotiable depending on experience (Inside IR35)
Location: Hybrid
Hours: 37 hours per week


Key Responsibilities:
*Lead the preparation, implementation, and review of the Council’s Local Plan and wider planning policy framework
*Manage and supervise the Local Plans team, providing guidance on complex strategic planning matters
*Provide expert planning policy advice on planning applications, pre-application enquiries, and strategic development proposals
*Prepare and present reports to Committees, Members, Project Boards, and senior stakeholders
*Represent the Council as an expert witness at Local Plan examinations, public inquiries, hearings, and appeals
*Coordinate evidence base studies, research programmes, and monitoring activities to support plan-making and policy development
*Manage external consultants and specialist advisors engaged in policy and evidence-based work
*Liaise with neighbouring authorities, government bodies, statutory consultees, and local stakeholders on planning policy matters
*Monitor legislative and policy changes, advising the Council on emerging planning reforms and their implications


Requirements:
*Significant experience in Planning Policy, Spatial Planning, Local Plans, or Strategic Planning within a Local Authority environment
*Strong knowledge of planning legislation, the plan-making process, and national planning policy
*Experience managing complex planning policy projects and leading multidisciplinary teams
*Background in preparing committee reports and presenting to Members and senior stakeholders
*Experience appearing at or preparing evidence for Local Plan examinations, public inquiries, or hearings
*Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills


If the above role might be of interest, please apply with your most up-to-date CV, or get in touch if you would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail.