Principal Planning Officer – National Infrastructure

Salary: £49,589 - £58,341 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Fixed Term, 5 years

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing date: 22nd September 2024.

Are you a highly experienced Development Management Planning Officer or development focused Policy Planning Officer dealing with large and complex planning proposals seeking a new challenge within a dynamic and growing team dealing with major development proposals across Essex? Or are you already a Planning Officer experienced at dealing with NSIPs and taking them through the planning process; as well as working closely with stakeholders, partners, Members and interested parties across a wider geography? If so, this demanding yet varied and rewarding position could be perfect for you.

With a salary of up to £58,341 and flexible working options, this role would suit someone who is well organised with excellent negotiation skills and who has a long history of dealing with developers, agents and consultants on large scale proposals and projects; and who has a keen interest in delivering sustainable development and creating a long-term legacy, social value and community benefits from NSIPs and major schemes for the local and wider community.

You will be working with a friendly and welcoming team of Principal and Senior Planning Officers with support from a Project Manager and Planning Technician to help deliver high quality and well-designed significant and large scale Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) within Essex and beyond. Current schemes and projects include Norwich to Tilbury, Longfield Solar Farm, Bradwell, North Falls and Five Estuaries Wind Farm and Lower Thames Crossing., which will make a major contribution to our future sustainable energy supply and connectivity.

This post is initially fixed for 5 years, with genuine opportunity for extension, depending on budget, successful outcomes and further predicted growth of the valued service. It is also deemed to be an “anywhere worker” role so hybrid working is possible, although there may be very occasional travel to Essex or to forums; and we welcome applications from people living outside Essex who have a genuine interest in Essex and its constituents.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience with an MRTPI qualification; evidence of substantial post qualification experience from either District Councils or the private sector.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area. And, a post graduate management qualification (Certificate in Management) is desirable.
• Evidence of successfully managing complex cases with demonstrable evidence of leading or of playing an increasingly major role in achieving larger/high profile projects across a range of service/partnership areas.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of planning policy and legislation and Government guidance on planning issues.
• Confident manner and approach in which to represent ECC. And the ability to engage with key agencies and stakeholders that assist in the delivery of policy outcomes.
• Proven experience of giving evidence at plan examinations, public inquiries or similar.
• Effective communication and influencing skills and ability to build effective relationships in an agile environment.
• Evidence of experience of being part of change in which able to deliver innovative solutions to demonstrate capabilities and impact.

For an informal chat with one of the team, please email your preferred contact details to GrowthandDevelopment@essex.gov.uk

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.

We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk