Principal Planning Officer (Policy)
From April 2027, Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, following the government’s confirmed plans for local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities, East Surrey and West Surrey, with West Surrey taking responsibility for the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking.
As we move towards this transition, our focus remains firmly on delivering high‑quality, value‑for‑money services and staying true to our shared organisational values of Collaboration, Wellbeing, Trusted, Value for Money and Professionalism.
We recognise that any period of organisational change can bring questions, particularly regarding future structures and working arrangements. Throughout this process, we are committed to supporting our colleagues with transparency and care prioritising wellbeing, maintaining a trusted and open dialogue, and ensuring continued access to learning and professional development opportunities.
While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities.
Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future.
To apply for this vacancy, click the “Apply Online” link.
If you are not already on Waverley Borough Council's website for this vacancy, you will be redirected to our website's jobs page. Either click "Apply Online" at the bottom of this page, or at the top left hand side under Waverley Borough Council click either the "Log in" button (if you are already registered) or the "Register" button.
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If you are unable to use this service or would like assistance, please contact us via hr@waverley.gov.uk or call the Human Resources team on 01483 523388.
- Are you looking for a role that will actively invest in your planning understanding and knowledge of legislation, procedures and guidance relating to planning policy matters
- Do you want to bring your excellent professional skills to be a part of an experienced and enthusiastic team preparing a new local plan and supporting the preparation of several Neighbourhood Plans?
- Do you want to further develop your skills managing planning policy projects and supporting team members
We are an ambitious Council, always trying to improve the many public services that we provide to our residents. Even more importantly, we aim to help preserve and enhance Waverley’s beautiful and precious environment and make a positive impact on the lives of everybody who lives or works here in Waverley.
The post is a senior role in the planning policy team so the holder will be a qualified planner with strong leadership, creative and organisational skills and experience of leading on specific areas of planning policy including managing external consultants and supporting other members of the team.
This is an agile post which allows the holder to work from home after an initial period of induction at the discretion of their line manager depending on the business needs of the service.
This post is a full-time role. However, all applications will be considered.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Matthew Ellis, Planning Policy Team Leader on 01483 523297 or Marissa Nash, Infrastructure Team Leader on 01483 523146.
We do not accept CVs without a completed application form. Strictly no agencies please.
Closing date for applications: 9:00am on Monday 2nd March 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed (provisionally set for 18th March 2026)
In return for your valued contribution, we can offer you a competitive benefits package which includes hybrid working and agile working policies, training and development opportunities, generous annual leave and flexi time, free onsite parking, an employee assistance scheme and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. You can find out more about working at Waverley and our benefits by visiting - Working at Waverley Borough Council | Waverley Borough Council
The district is home to many different people, and we want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - we are a Disability Confident employer and appoint on merit. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here
We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving or ex-members of the armed forces and their partners. We offer an interview scheme for serving and ex-military forces members when they meet the essential criteria for the role. You can find out more about this scheme and check your eligibility here
Please note we do not accept applications after the stated closing time and right to work in the UK will be checked as part of the interview process.
Please note we do not accept applications after the time given on the advert.
Salary range
- £51,133 per year