Senior Strategic Planner, Local Authority (Essex)
Contract: Temporary, Full Time (6-month contract)
Rate: £50.00 per hour (umbrella)
Location: Hybrid, with 1 day per week in-office
An Essex-based Local Authority is seeking a skilled and experienced Senior Strategic Planner to support the delivery of its new Local Plan and key policy projects. This interim opportunity offers a competitive £50.00 per hour, a hybrid working model, and the chance to lead on critical workstreams in a forward-looking planning team.
The Role
Reporting to the Corporate Manager, you will take ownership of specific policy and evidence-based planning projects, contributing directly to the development of the emerging Local Plan and related Supplementary Planning Documents. The role involves working collaboratively across departments, with external consultants, and alongside neighbouring authorities on cross-boundary strategic matters.
This is a hybrid role, with 1 day per week in the office and the remainder working remotely.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead on the drafting and delivery of planning policy documents, including the new Local Plan and SPDs
Undertake research, monitoring, and analysis to inform robust, evidence-led policy
Manage external consultants and oversee delivery of commissioned planning work
Liaise with stakeholders, developers, and landowners to shape policy development
Represent the authority in cross-boundary working and strategic partnerships
Prepare reports and evidence for Planning Committee, Cabinet, and public examinations
Provide expert planning advice to internal teams and elected Members
About You
Strong track record in planning policy, with direct experience in Local Plan preparation
Detailed understanding of planning legislation, policy, and procedures
Experience working within a local authority or consultancy on strategic planning issues
Confident in managing projects and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders
Ability to write clear, concise policy reports and deliver presentations at senior level
RTPI membership or eligibility is desirable
Why Apply?
£50.00 per hour (umbrella)
6-month contract, with potential for extension
Hybrid working, with just 1 day per week in-office
Take the lead on strategic planning workstreams with long-term impact
Join a professional and motivated planning policy team
Interested?
To apply or find out more, please contact Billy at Park Avenue Recruitment on 07763 200416 or email billy@park-avenue.co.uk.
Please note: Not all roles are advertised. I work with Local Authorities across Essex and the wider region, recruiting planning professionals at all levels across Policy, Development Management, and Enforcement. If this role isn't the right fit, I'd be happy to discuss others that align with your experience.
Testimonials
Billy has recently assisted me in finding a new contract position. He provided a good level of information with regard to the role, and ensured that it was well matched to my search criteria. Billy kept in touch frequently throughout the application process and has checked in regularly to see how things are going so far. I would highly recommend Billy to anyone looking for a new position.
Billy has been fantastic to work with! A breath of fresh air compared to previous recruiters. He has kept me updated and his efforts are really noticed. Looking forward to working together in the future.