Principal Planning Policy Officer (Maternity Cover)

Principal Planning Policy Officer (Career-graded role from Assistant to Senior)

Grade 9 to 10, £44,804 - £54,189 (including local weighting), plus an additional £3,500 Market Supplement*

Full Time, 37 hours per week, fixed term for 12 months. Blended working available, based in Hertford.

We are looking for a committed policy planner to help develop the planning policy framework that will guide future development across the district. The role is more than a job; it is an opportunity to help shape the next phase of East Herts’ growth. With work underway on a new Local Plan, you will play a key role in shaping policy from an early stage and influencing how our places evolve in response to changing needs and priorities.

East Herts is more than just a place of work; it’s a thriving and picturesque district, rich in history and natural beauty, featuring over 3,000 listed buildings. We’re committed to continuous improvement, striving for more affordable housing, a vibrant local economy, a greener, more sustainable environment, and enhanced digital capabilities.

We are proud of our ‘one team’ culture where everyone contributes to delivering great services to our local community and residents. If you share our vision for East Herts and have a proven track record in producing planning policy documents, we want to hear from you. Join us in providing an exceptional planning service and be part of our journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future for our district.

*In line with their pay policy, EHC will review the application of the Market Supplement annually, and if warranted, will make adjustments in liaison with affected staff.

The Role

This role would suit a planning policy professional with knowledge and experience in plan-making. You will be comfortable in taking a leading role in the Planning Policy Team, providing professional advice, contributing to the preparation of the new Local Plan, and delivering a range of statutory functions. The successful candidate will need to be aware of new and proposed changes to planning policy and legislation.

Candidates should have experience working in a plan-making team, ideally at a local planning authority level.

The right candidate must work effectively with a range of stakeholders, demonstrate excellent project management skills, as well as a willingness to take the initiative. The ability to produce concise reports and explain complex planning issues clearly to a wide range of audiences is also essential.

As well as demonstrable technical and professional abilities, you will need strong interpersonal skills. This includes being able to work as part of a team of staff, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service and achieving the best outcome for residents. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, with the capacity to prioritise different tasks to ensure that they are delivered on time and within budget.

An understanding of increasing role of digital technology in planning is desirable, along with a willingness to embrace new tools and approaches to help deliver a modern, efficient planning service.

What will you be doing?

• Principal Officers will lead on the preparation and implementation of planning policy documents for East Hertfordshire. This includes the District Plan, Supplementary Planning Documents, Neighbourhood Planning and Monitoring.
• Principal Officers will lead on the formulation of technical evidence in support of the District Plan and associated documents including Statements of Common Ground, Memoranda of Understanding, and Master Plans.
• Principal Officers will work in collaboration with neighbouring authorities, statutory bodies, infrastructure providers and Government organisations to identify, resolve and plan for strategic development and infrastructure needs and other cross boundary issues.

About you

We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working individuals who are keen to learn and share our aims and ambitions. Good customer skills, being able to communicate effectively (written and verbal), and efficient time management are essential skills for this role.

In return we offer the opportunity to work on a varied and interesting portfolio of work, working as part of a friendly and experienced team.

East Herts also offers a great working environment, flexible/home working options, and many other benefits.

The ideal candidate will have:

• a graduate and/or post graduate degree in Planning, or other demonstrably relevant degree.
• full membership, or demonstrable eligibility for full membership, of a recognised professional body related to the work of the team, such as the Royal Town Planning Institute.
• an ability to demonstrate full knowledge of planning policy and strategy.
• experience of working on the preparation of Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Planning Documents, Neighbourhood Plan Documents, and other policy related guidance.
• understanding of the legislative and policy framework at national and local level.
• an appreciation of urban / rural development / transportation / sustainability / environmental issues / implications.
• negotiation skills, tact, discretion and sensitivity when working both with internal and external colleagues and customers in political and technical terms; ability to give advice and take action, when representing the Service or Council.
• experience of working within a customer-focused environment
• ability to deliver work programmes to agreed timescales.
• a full, valid driving licence.

What can we offer you?

• Opportunities for growth and cross- department working, learning new skills and service areas
• 29 days annual leave rising to 34 days with 5 years' local government service
• Usage of our e-fleet during business hours for business-related visits
• Employee well-being programme
• Employee events group
• Regular opportunities to socialise with other teams within the council
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time
• Up to 50% working from home for eligible posts
• Free parking in our offices and select council owned car parks during business hours
• Access to wellbeing and occupational health schemes such as the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounts at council-owned leisure centres
• Opportunity to network with colleagues across councils in Hertfordshire and the East Of England
• Professional environment where your career path really matters and your development is supported by the organisation

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the please contact Richard Crutchley, Team Leader – Planning Policy on 01279 502154 or email Richard.crutchley@eastherts.gov.uk to arrange a time.

Closing date: 17 June at 5.30pm.

Interviews will be held in-person on: 25th June at Wallfields, Pegs Lane, Hertford, SG13 8EQ.

We as a council are ambitious. To find out more about our ambitions and what it’s like working at East Herts, hear from our employees on our careers site.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work.

Find out more about our disability confident scheme.