Minerals & Waste Lead Planning Officer
3-Month Contract
All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.
Full-Time
£47.09 per hour
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Minerals & Waste Lead Planning Officer to join our client on an initial 3-month contract. This is a senior leadership role supporting the Head of Planning Policy & Placemaking, with responsibility for overseeing the operational management and strategic delivery of Minerals & Waste Planning services.
This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to lead on high-profile policy development, development management, and service transformation.
Purpose of the Role
You will lead on all matters relating to the Councils statutory responsibilities for Minerals & Waste Planning, ensuring delivery of a high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused service.
The role spans:
* Plan-making and policy development
* Development management of planning applications
* Service improvement and transformation
* Leadership of a specialist planning team
You will also play a key role in promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and the circular economy.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the Minerals & Waste Planning team, including Principal Planning Officers
* Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with legislation and corporate objectives
* Work collaboratively across planning teams in a matrix management structure
* Deputise for the Head of Policy & Placemaking when required
* Lead the preparation, review, and delivery of the Minerals & Waste Local Plan
* Ensure a robust and up-to-date policy framework is maintained
* Represent the Council at regional and national planning forums
* Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, Members, and external bodies
* Oversee complex Minerals & Waste planning applications
* Ensure high-quality, timely decision-making processes
* Represent the Council at hearings, inquiries, and examinations
* Lead public consultation and community engagement activities
* Attend and represent the Council at committees, xsngvjr boards, and public meetings
* Build strong relationships with developers, stakeholders, and partner authorities
About You
* Degree in Town Planning (or equivalent) eligible for RTPI membership
* Chartered RTPI status (or working towards)
* Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system, including NPPF
* Significant senior-level experience in Minerals & Waste Planning
* Proven track record in:
o Planning policy development or
o Development management of Minerals & Waste applications
* Strong stakeholder engagement experience (Members, developers, public)
* Excellent communication and report-writing skills