Senior Planning Policy Officer / Planning Policy Officer

Senior Planning Policy Officer

Salary:Band 8 £35,235, - £37,937 plus a market supplement of £4,373 per annum

Planning Policy Officer

Salary:Band 7 £31,067 - £35,235 plus a market supplement of £3,113 per annum..

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Planning Policy team—either as a Senior Planning Policy Officer or as a Planning Policy Officer. Both roles offer the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of our communities through effective planning and policy development.

What is the role?

The Senior Planning Policy Officer plays a strategic role in shaping the future development of the city. This position involves research and analysis to support preparation of the Local Plan and other key planning documents. The senior officer conducts in-depth research and analysis, responds to changes in planning legislation, and leads public consultations. They work closely with colleagues, council services, and elected Members, and represent the Council at planning meetings, sub-regional groups, and public inquiries. Additionally, they provide guidance to other officers and contribute flexibly across the planning department, including supporting Development Management when necessary.

In contrast, the Planning Policy Officer supports the senior officer by assisting in the preparation and review of planning policy documents and monitoring development in the City. This includes compiling statistics for reports, conducting research, and helping to deliver public consultations. The officer liaises with internal teams and external partners, represents the Council at planning events, and helps prepare evidence for public inquiries. While the role is more supportive in nature, it also requires flexibility and a willingness to contribute across different areas of the planning department.

Who is the person?

As the Senior Planning Policy Officer you will be educated to Master's level in Town and Country Planning or an equivalent qualification, with post-qualification experience in planning policy. You will bring an understanding of sustainable development and nature conservation, ideally with experience in habitats regulation assessment, although not essential. You will have experience in community consultation and participation, excellent research and analytical skills, and a sound knowledge of current planning legislation and procedures. You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with project management experience and the ability to manage your own workload effectively. As a collaborative team player, you will be committed to maintaining up-to-date professional knowledge and continuous development.

As the Planning Policy Officer you will be educated to degree level in Town and Country Planning or an equivalent field. While experience in planning policy and community consultation is desirable, it is not essential, but you should have a good understanding of planning legislation and procedures. You will be capable of conducting research and analysis and be able to summarise outcomes with clarity and accuracy. You will have good communication skills and the ability to build partnerships with other organisations. You will be able to manage your own workload and contribute effectively within a team. You will be willing to maintain up to date professional knowledge together with the training and development needs of the role.

Please also download the job profiles below for full details of both roles.

Please indicate in your personal statement which of the two roles you wish to apply for and tailor your personal statement accordingly.

Interviews will be held week commencing 11th August 2025

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office 2 days a week (pro rata for part time) depending on the role and business needs.

When completing your application you will be required to complete a personal statement. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile. Please give examples of your experience and any transferrable skills. This is your opportunity to showcase yourself and your achievements. Please also remember to state which job you are applying for.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

About Portsmouth City Council

What we can offer you:

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800