Principal Planning Policy Officer (Maternity Cover)

Job Introduction

Principal Planning Policy Officer (Maternity Cover)

The West of England is preparing its first-ever Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), a statutory plan that will shape where homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered across the region over the next 30 years. This is one of the most significant planning projects currently underway in England and will help guide investment, growth and place-making across the West of England and North Somerset.

We're looking for an experienced and ambitious planning professional to join our Housing and Strategic Planning team as a Principal Planning Policy Officer on a maternity cover basis starting from Feb/March 2027.

Working alongside the Planning Policy Lead, you will play a leading role in developing and delivering the SDS. You'll help shape the evidence base, oversee specialist consultancy commissions, lead elements of policy development, work closely with local authority partners and support engagement and consultation activity. You'll also help ensure the SDS is legally compliant, evidence-led and capable of standing up to independent examination.

This is a rare opportunity to influence the future growth of one of the UK's most successful city-regions. The role combines strategic thinking, technical planning expertise, stakeholder engagement and programme management, offering the chance to work on complex cross-boundary planning issues with real and lasting impact.

This role is a maternity cover so the offer of employment is a fixed term contract or we are more than happy to accept secondments as well.

About You

You will be an RTPI Chartered Planner with significant experience in planning policy and strategic plan-making. You'll bring a strong understanding of planning legislation, evidence-based policy development and the challenges and opportunities associated with growth, housing, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

You will be comfortable commissioning and managing technical evidence, developing robust policy options, working with elected members and senior stakeholders, and building collaborative relationships across organisations. Experience of Local Plan, Joint Plan or strategic planning work and working within a political environment will be particularly valuable.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to help shape the future of the West of England through high-quality strategic planning and collaborative working.

Why Join Us?

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is leading some of the region's most important place-shaping projects, including the Spatial Development Strategy, Future Places Fund, growth and regeneration programmes, and work to tackle homelessness and support sustainable communities. You'll join a supportive and highly professional team working at the forefront of regional planning and place-making.

Want to know more?

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Alex Cobb, Head of Housing and Strategic Planning at Alex.Cobb@WestofEngland-CA.gov.uk

The closing date for this role is 29th November 2026 at 11.59pm.

The interview dates are scheduled for w/c 7th December 2026. Please note this is subject to change.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).

• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £58,843- £64,337. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.