Senior Policy and Strategy Officer (Planning)

We’re Lichfield District Council. A local authority in the Heart of England that provides local services to over 100,000 residents. Our District is a beautiful place to live and work, with its historic city centre which has the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

Our organisation is ambitious, innovative, and highly driven to be the best in all that we do. We want to further this growth potential in all key areas of the business by hiring great people. In return, we can build stronger foundations, provide quality services, and help support our company objectives longer term.

**Fixed Term Contract - 6-9 Months**

JOB PURPOSE

The primary focus is to carry out the Council’s responsibility for the preparation and delivery of statutory Local Plans and other planning policy documents such as Supplementary Planning Documents and development briefs and advising and guiding on neighbourhood plans.

The post holder will specialise in Spatial Policy and will have the opportunity to work across the other themes and on a range of corporate projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To prepare, and input into other relevant spatial planning documents and exercises including Supplementary Planning Documents, masterplans, development briefs, developer contributions / Community Infrastructure Levy, funding bids and programmes.

• To take a key role in Local Plan formulation and delivery through all its stages including its planning, development, implementation, and monitoring.

• Regularly monitor and report progress and to proactively review and drive forward improvements to ensure an effective and efficient S106 process.

• To work seamlessly with all other teams across the organisation with planning responsibilities, to ensure our residents, businesses and developers experience a ‘one team’ service.

• To be responsible for the development, monitoring, review and implementation of plans, policies, procedures, and practices on behalf of the Authority and the collection and analysis of planning- related information and data on its behalf.

• To prepare reports in connection with the work of the service, including matters relating to spatial policy and its implementation and the Council’s response to national government and regional policy reforms and proposals, and to present such reports to a variety of audiences.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.
• At least 2 years’ experience within a local government or related policy environment requiring an understanding and interpretation of strategic policy making and implementation.
• Experience of managing and delivering projects from planning to implementation and evaluation.
• Experience of effectively developing and implementing policies and strategies.
• Experience of bidding processes and making applications to secure funding.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS

• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, partners, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Good report writing and reporting skills.
• A positive and proactive attitude.
• Ability to adapt quickly.
• Attention to detail.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US

• Friendly and supportive environment underpinned by our values.
• Hybrid working including flexibility around working patterns.
• Local government pension. With the scheme you get Life cover – 3 times your salary as a lump sum if you die in service.
• Private health insurance on completion of probationary period.
• Generous annual leave.
• Discounted membership to our two leisure centres.
• Offices opposite Lichfield Train Station.
• Free onsite Parking.

NOTE:

All offers of employment are conditional offer subject to satisfactory clearances which include: Two satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of employment.

• Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom; and
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if applicable.

WHAT NEXT?

To be considered for this exciting new opportunity, please send your CV and Supporting statement to Hannah.fox@lwmts.co.uk.

If you need any support with completing your application, or any part of the recruitment process, please contact hannah.fox@lwmts.co.uk so that we can discuss reasonable adjustments.

We look forward to hearing from you.