Senior Planning Officer Policy

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Please apply online. If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by emailing personnel.services@tmbc.gov.uk

Do you want to help create vibrant, sustainable, and resilient places for people to live, work, and thrive? Are you excited by the idea of steering major planning policy projects and championing innovation in a dynamic, forward‑thinking council?

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is looking for a motivated, enthusiastic, and forward‑thinking Senior Planning Policy Officer to join our high‑performing Planning Policy team. This is your chance to play a leading role in shaping the future of our borough.

About the Role

As a Senior Planning Policy Officer, you’ll be at the heart of our Local Plan delivery, progressing policies and evidence for the new Local Plan, as well as involvement on other key projects.

You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the council, community groups, developers, partner organisations, and residents to ensure our planning policies reflect local aspirations and deliver real impact.

This is a role where your ideas will be heard, your expertise valued, and your work will genuinely make a difference.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Driving forward the Local Plan, contributing to its preparation, implementation, and monitoring.
• Drafting high‑quality reports, policy documents, and guidance that influence decision-making at all levels.
• Representing the council at key meetings, public inquiries, exhibitions, and stakeholder events.
• Providing expert planning policy advice to Members, colleagues, and the wider public.
• Keeping ahead of planning legislation and policy changes, ensuring our service remains responsive, modern, and effective.

About You

You’ll bring passion, professionalism, and a positive, solutions‑focused approach. You’ll have the confidence to lead on projects, the curiosity to explore new ideas, and the communication skills to explain complex planning matters with clarity.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A degree in Town Planning (or related discipline) and RTPI membership.
• Proven post‑qualification experience in planning policy.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• A commitment to excellence, equality, integrity, and customer‑focused service.

Why Join Tonbridge & Malling?

This is more than just a planning job, it’s a chance to influence how communities evolve for generations to come.

We offer:

• A supportive, friendly workplace where your contribution truly matters.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and career growth.
• A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and new ideas.
• Flexible working options and a strong focus on wellbeing.

Discover what it’s like to work at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and explore the benefits we offer: Working for us – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council

For an informal chat about the role, please contact either Kelly Sharp (Planning Policy Manager) at kelly.sharp@tmbc.gov.uk or Jenny Knowles (Planning Policy Team Leader) at jenny.knowles@tmbc.gov.uk. (Direct candidates only, strictly no agencies)