Overview
Chief Planning Officer. Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week). Up to £90,117 per annum + LGPS. Location: Chelmsford. Working Style: Anywhere worker. This is a hybrid-working role, with attendance in the Chelmsford office or functional work locations expected to be 2-3 days per month on average, depending on business need.
This is the lead professional role responsible for advising and supporting the Council's Planning Committee. It is a senior county planning leadership position requiring a strong understanding and experience of dealing with infrastructure, minerals and waste planning applications and policy.
Please note we intend to invite successful applicants to interview in person in County Hall, Chelmsford, on Tuesday 11th November 2025.
Responsibilities
* Lead and support the Council's Planning Committee, taking responsibility for delegated officer decisions made by ECC as the County Planning Authority for new schools, libraries, roads, flood schemes, and other capital programme major infrastructure projects.
* Lead ECC's statutory planning functions and strategic infrastructure engagement on major capital projects, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), and complex growth proposals such as Garden Communities.
* Lead and support the Council's Planning Committee and provide expert advice to inform decisions on the Council's capital schemes applications and major mineral and waste planning applications.
* Provide robust, well-evidenced advice and recommendations for Cabinet Members, Councillors and senior officers.
* Champion and lead the review and delivery of ECC's Minerals and Waste Local Plans.
* Ensure legal and procedural requirements through all stages of the four-year process are met to deliver both Plans effectively through the external scrutinised examination process, to deliver the land supply of waste and minerals sites Essex needs.
* Act as the Council's lead advisor on all applications and enforcement cases dealt with by ECC, as required by legislation.
* Ensure that planning decisions are policy-compliant, deliver high-quality outcomes, and secure mitigation measures and infrastructure to support sustainable development.
* Act as the Council's lead representation at Public Examinations and Inquiries, ensuring effective management of planning disputes across authorities to minimise risk and secure outcomes aligned with strategic objectives.
* Foster collaborative relationships with all District Councils to align strategic planning interests, support mutual objectives, and ensure ECC's priorities are effectively represented.
* Act as the Council's principal representative on strategic planning applications, including NSIPs, Local Plan Examinations, and Public Inquiries.
* Promote and protect the Council's interests through effective engagement with developers, statutory bodies, and external stakeholders.
* Lead the resolution of complex planning disputes to ensure outcomes align with the Council's objectives and deliver public value.
* Ensure ECC's corporate responses to strategic planning applications on Garden Communities and New Settlements effectively shape outcomes that deliver high-quality development and secure infrastructure funding through developer S106 contributions.
* Ensure that decisions affecting Essex residents are robustly influenced and challenged where necessary to secure the delivery of appropriate infrastructure that meets community needs and aligns with strategic planning objectives.
* Ensure effective collaboration with local councils and key stakeholders to strengthen the quality and consistency of planning responses, align negotiation positions with developers, and secure infrastructure outcomes that support sustainable growth.
Skills, Knowledge And Experience
* Educated to degree level in a relevant field (e.g. Town Planning/Geography) with an RTPI-recognised qualification.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area. Chartered membership of Royal Town Planning Institute or equivalent.
* Demonstrates strong project and programme management skills, with the ability to shape and oversee a diverse portfolio of planning initiatives.
* Relevant management or leadership training and/or qualifications are desirable.
* Significant post-qualification experience in planning at a senior management level, particularly within the public sector. Proven track record of representing the Council at appeals, Examinations in Public, and Public Inquiries.
* Experience in leading high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Strong negotiation skills to secure positive outcomes.
* Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex evidence, identify trends and risks, and develop data-driven solutions to planning challenges.
* Proven ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders, including developers, partners, and communities, across complex and fast-paced development proposals.
* Clear understanding of strategic planning and future growth, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans that shape infrastructure and sustainable development.
* Ability to absorb and understand many sources of evidence and effectively lead multi-disciplinary teams handling complex planning issues to produce robust challenges to lead and shape work.
* Builds strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to deliver shared priorities.
* Excellent influencing and communication skills able to challenge robustly and constructively; ability to shape the planning agenda nationally is desirable.
Please note that the job role requires mobility throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
What’s in it for You
* Secure Your Future: Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Health and Wellbeing: Inclusive and supportive working environment with access to wellbeing resources and networks.
* Travel in Style: New electric vehicle scheme.
* Professional Growth: We cover professional fees for approved professions to support career development.
* Work-Life Balance: Hybrid working arrangements.
* Generous Time Off: 27 days of holiday, increasing with service.
Company and Location
Essex County Council, Chelmsford, Essex. Address: Chelmsford Rd, Brentwood CM15 8RB, UK.
Published on 6 Oct 2025.
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