Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy

• Information_for_Candidates
• Organisational_Culture_framework
• Reference_Form_11B_for_posts_requiring_DBS
• Reference_Form
• Principal_Strategic_Infrastructure_Officer_Planning_Job_Desc_and_Person_Spec

Our preferred method is online application however if you do require a hard copy application pack please contact Human Resources, Guildford Borough Council, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB. Telephone (01483) 444111 (24-hr). Alternatively e-mail PeopleandOD@guildford.gov.uk quoting the relevant post number. Please note that we do not accept CVs, please ensure that you complete the application form fully.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post-holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.

Follow us on Twitter @GuildfordBC

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Guildford Borough Council’s high-performing Planning Policy team as a Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer. We are seeking a motivated and experienced planning professional with a strong background in strategic infrastructure planning who is looking to take the next step in their career.

You’ll be joining a dynamic and successful team with a proven track record in Local Plan preparation, including the adoption of two Local Plans in the past six years. We are now at the early stages of producing a new Local Plan under the new plan-making process —making this a particularly exciting time to get involved and help shape the future growth of the borough.

About the Role

This role plays a key part in supporting the development of infrastructure strategy and policy for the Local Plan and other planning policy projects. You will:

• Lead the preparation of infrastructure evidence, including the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and plan viability assessments.
• Oversee the commissioning and development of evidence to support the implementation and review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the successful planning and delivery of infrastructure aligned with the Local Plan.

About You

You will have:

• A recognised degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
• Chartered membership of the RTPI (or eligibility for membership).
• Proven experience in infrastructure planning and Local Plan preparation within a Local Authority setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate across a wide range of stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

Guildford Borough Council offers a range of employee benefits, including:

• A career average earnings pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of home and office-based working.

Information to guide your application

Please review the accompanying person specification to guide your application. To be shortlisted for interview, you must clearly demonstrate—using relevant examples—how you meet the essential and, where possible, desirable criteria.

For further information about the role, please contact Riaan van Eeden or Laura Howard, Interim Planning Policy Managers, at:

• Riaan.vaneeden@guildford.gov.uk
• Laura.howard@guildford.gov.uk

Please note: The Council may conduct interviews and appoint a candidate during the advertisement period. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.

Closing date: 2 February 2026, or earlier if the position is filled before this date.