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Oxfordshire County Council is seeking an experienced and highly motivated planning professional to take on a pivotal Technical Lead role within our Minerals and Waste Policy and Strategy Team (maternity cover) , working alongside another Technical Lead to provide expert direction on policy matters.

This is a key opportunity to shape the future of minerals and waste planning in Oxfordshire, joining an established technical team, to help lead the preparation and delivery of the new Minerals and Waste Plan and to provide expert advice on strategic Minerals and Waste policy matters.

About the role

As Technical Lead (Maternity Cover), you will act as one of the Council’s subject matter experts on minerals and waste planning policy, working closely with senior management and fellow team members to drive forward the County’s statutory development plan.

You will:

• Lead the preparation, progression and adoption of the Minerals and Waste Plan
• Provide expert technical advice on complex planning, policy and site-specific matters
• Oversee evidence base development, including site assessments, data analysis and policy formulation
• Represent the Council at Examinations, hearings and public forums
• Provide quality assurance of technical work and support the development of junior staff

This is a strategic and influential role, central to delivering sustainable mineral supply and effective waste management across Oxfordshire.

About you

We are looking for a confident and experienced planning professional who

• Holds an RTPI-accredited postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience) and is a member of the RTPI (or eligible)
• Has a strong track record of delivering complex minerals and/or waste policy work
• Can analyse complex data and use it to influence planning outcomes
• Is an excellent communicator, able to translate technical issues into clear, accessible advice
• Is confident making sound professional judgements and leading on complex or sensitive issues
• Has strong report writing, presentation and negotiation skills
• Can work independently, prioritise effectively and provide leadership to others
• Has up-to-date knowledge of UK planning legislation and policy
• Experience of Local Plan Examinations is desirable

Why join us?

This is an exciting time for Oxfordshire, with a new Minerals and Waste Plan underway and significant strategic challenges to address. This role offers the opportunity to take a leading position in shaping policy and influencing long-term outcomes for the county.

Rewards and benefits

We offer:

• Flexible and agile working arrangements
• Opportunities for continued professional development and career progression
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on Oxfordshire’s future

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: charlotte.simms@oxfordshire.gov.uk