Southend-on-Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community.  We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the Southend 2050 ambition and make lives better for the people of Southend.  Southend itself is a vibrant place to live and work, offering coastal living alongside excellent and fast transport links into London.

Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment.  As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from regulatory services, transport, public health, and parks through to planning, social services, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities.  The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

We are looking for a Planning Policy Officer to join the strategic planning team on a full-time role and permanent basis, paying £34,825 - £39,745 (including £4,000 market supplement reviewed annually).

 As a Planning Policy Officer, you will be joining a high performing and friendly team who have a strong track record of delivering high profile projects on behalf of Southend City Council. This role is offered on a hybrid working pattern which based on current circumstances will be predominantly home working.

You will assist with for the day-to-day preparation, monitoring, implementation and review of the statutory Local Plan and related planning policy. You will assist senior colleagues in matters relating to sub-regional planning and in the general operation of the Strategic Planning Team. You will deal with general correspondence, consultations, site visits and attendance at meetings as necessary in association with the above and in accordance with relevant Council policies. You will liaise and consult with external agencies, statutory bodies, the public, elected members, professional persons and internal departments to ensure a connected approach and service delivery.

For any further enquiries, kindly contact uzo.nebechi@hays.com

To be successful in this role, it is essential that you have good attention to detail, excellent organisational and communication skills. You need to be able to work on your own initiative, be numerate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages. You will engage effectively across all levels and be able to work to deadlines, carrying out your duties accurately at speed, establishing good relationships with customers and other stakeholders. This role will suit an individual who has a can-do attitude, is keen to learn and is seeking a career in local government planning. Knowledge of the planning system, legislation and procedures are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided.

This role would suit graduates from a wide range of subjects, particularly individuals with a genuine interest in areas such as the built environment, geography, planning and sustainability and local government.

Your application will not be considered if you are not educated to a degree level or have relevant background in working in a planning policy team.

If you join the Council, you will enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working, salary sacrifice schemes, 25 days holiday in a full-time contract (excluding bank holidays) and excellent training and development opportunities. A full list of benefits provided by Southend-on-Sea City Council can be found on the Jobs at the council web page under the "Why Work for us Tab".

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Click here for Job Description

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. 

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.