Senior Policy Planner

Job Title: Senior Policy Planner
Team / Department: Development – Policy Team
Location: Elizabeth House, Stratford-upon-Avon and Remote Working
Employment Status: 2 years fixed term contract / secondment
Hours per week: 37 – full time
Working  Arrangements: Hybrid Working
Salary: Grade F - £42,708 - £45,718 pa

About Us:
Based in the heart of Warwickshire, the beautiful district of Stratford-on-Avon is, without doubt, one of the most scenic and historical regions in the UK. Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s headquarters are located in the heart of William Shakespeare’s hometown. In the District, you will find thriving market towns, home to over 135,000 residents and a tourist destination for millions of visitors each year, from across the globe. We are proud to provide public services to residents, businesses and visitors across this magnificent region, making it a great place to live, work and visit.

At the Council, our people are our superpower and by choosing to bring your talents to our organisation, you will be joining a great team where everyone feels that they truly belong, full of dedicated people all working with passion and purpose, across a dynamic portfolio of work providing high-quality services.

Benefits:
As part of our team, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Flexibility:
• A minimum of 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements with the flexibility to work from home for up to 60% of your hours (dependent upon the role)
• Flexi-time scheme for a better work-life balance.

Lifestyle:
• Health Cash Plan Scheme for medical and dental expenses.
• Eye test voucher scheme
• Everyone Active Gym Membership discount 

Professional Development:
• Training and Development opportunities.
• Payment of one professional subscription fee

Financial Planning:
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme to secure your future.
• Access to free Will writing services.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Salary Sacrifice schemes e.g. Cycle to Work etc.
• Free town centre parking

What to Expect in the Role:
You will lead and play key support roles on a wide range of planning policy projects across Stratford-on-Avon district, working effectively with key stakeholders to deliver high-quality projects, which positively impact the lives of those we serve. You will also work as part of a team advancing apace with Warwick District Council on preparing the South Warwickshire Local Plan, planning for the long term future of the region.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):
• Lead on the preparation of the Local Plan documents and other planning policy documents.
• Project management of consultants preparing evidence and specific projects e.g. area design and conservation area reviews.
• Provide planning policy advice and support to Councillors, Parish and Town Councils, community groups, developers and the general public.
• Provide planning policy advice and support on planning applications and appeals.
• Responsible for the provision and publication of accurate KPIs and performance data.
• Support the Local Plans Manager to ensure that the Council delivers excellent, customer-focused service.

What You’ll Need (Please see Job Description and Person Specification for more details):
• Substantial experience in planning policy practice, including development plan preparation.
• Proven project management experience.
• Effective communication skills, including preparing and presenting formal reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound working knowledge of current planning policy, legislation and good practice.

This post is offered as a secondment opportunity, allowing employees to return to their original post at the end of the secondment period. All parties must agree to the secondment, so please ensure that your Line Manager is supportive before applying. Full agreement from all parties must be confirmed in writing for the secondment to proceed, therefore candidates must have written agreement from their Manager before making an application. This written agreement must be submitted with the application form.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact TIM WEBB, LOCAL PLANS MANAGER on 01789 260800 or Tim.Webb@stratford-dc.gov.uk

Applications will close at midnight on Tuesday 20 May 2025
Interviews will be held week beginning 9th June 202

To apply, please visit our website: Stratford-on-Avon District Council - Current Vacancies or email hr@stratford-dc.gov.uk

The Council is committed to equality of opportunity and aims to create a welcoming, inclusive workplace where we are all able to bring our whole selves to work and perform at our best