Principal Planning Consultant (Policy)

We are seeking an experienced Principal Policy Planner, reporting to the Associate Director of Planning Policy to work within our national growth team.

This team works on a number of commissions across the UK and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as part of our transformation and growth plans. You will have the opportunity to lead on key elements of strategic planning to support our clients and take on project management responsibilities for work streams delivered by others when required.

We're truly committed to building a diverse and representative workforce and as part of our strategic plans we are aiming to accelerate gender and ethnic representation in leadership. As such we would particularly welcome applications from people who are female and/or are from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds.

What you'll be doing:

1. Working with our clients and partner Councils on a range of projects across strategic planning and development management including Local Plans and supporting evidence, Supplementary Planning Documents, CIL/S106 and Sustainability Appraisal.
2. Providing high quality, timely professional advice and direction on planning matters, being proactive and problem-solving as required by the client.
3. Leading on consultation and engagement activities, including coordination and review of public consultation representations and responding to queries from members of the public or Councillors as required.
4. Monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of planning policies, identifying innovative ways to measure and improve.
5. Processing major planning applications in a timely manner, producing recommendations and reports in line with client requirements and presenting evidence on appeals.
6. Accountable for the successful delivery of commissions, ensuring they are delivered profitably in line with bid expectations to a consistently high standard, reporting regularly to the Associate Director on progress made in meeting key milestones.
7. Ensuring project and team targets are met and that knowledge and expertise are shared effectively across the wider team, including keeping up to date with emerging policy development as well as significant appeal decisions and caselaw.
8. Contributing positively to bids and proposals in a timely manner to support the team and help secure future opportunities within the growth team when required.

What we're looking for:

1. Degree qualified Town Planner or equivalent experience (essential). Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
2. At least 7 years demonstrable experience and proven track record in the successful delivery of planning services to a broad client base and a sound understanding of local government and planning.
3. Practical experience in dealing with planning matters across a number of different local authorities with a proven track record of producing planning policy documents.
4. A high level of knowledge, understanding and application of current and emerging planning legislation.
5. Experience of community engagement on planning policies, planning applications or strategies, understanding the concerns raised and proposing clear and concise responses.
6. A high level of organisational and programme management skills.
7. Ability to communicate at all levels, be well organised and efficient, have a positive attitude, be proactive and solve problems to produce well-balanced outcomes.
8. Demonstrate initiative and ability to work alone on projects where required as well as contributing and adding value to team projects.

About Capita Local Public Service

Capita Public delivers services and solutions that keep the UK government, including local councils, running and improving services to the public. Capita Local Public Services (LPS) is a £170m business with 3,000 staff working in a matrix operating model to deliver services to over 50 clients, encompassing both Local Government and Community Health (NHS). Capita has a long and rich history working with Local Government and the NHS, and both markets are central to our growth strategy for the next 5 years.

What's in it for you?

• A competitive basic salary of up to £52,000.
• 23 days' holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
• The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice.
• Auto-enrolment to our company pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks' fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks and plenty more.
• Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle - from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology.
• Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform.

You'll get the chance to follow your chosen career path anywhere in Capita. You'll be joining a network of experienced, innovative and dedicated individuals across multiple disciplines and sectors. There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career, and we'll provide the support you need to do just that. Our purpose is to create a better outcome for you.

What we hope you'll do next:

Choose 'Apply now' to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

At Capita, we're committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. We want everyone to have the best chance of succeeding as they move through their application and start their career with us. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer; we want to hear from you if you'd like to discuss any adjustments you might need during your recruitment process. Please email or call and we'll get back to you to discuss.

For more information about equal opportunities and the types of adjustments we can offer, please visit the Capita Careers website.

If you have a question that does not relate to adjustments during your recruitment process, please email our Talent Acquisition team -