Senior Planner

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London is seeking a Senior Policy Planner to shape urban development in Southwark. The role involves providing specialist planning policy advice, supporting decision-making on major applications, and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in a relevant discipline, chartered RTPI status, and strong urban planning experience. A commitment to equality and inclusive growth is essential, along with the ability to present complex information clearly. Offered on a fixed-term basis with a competitive salary range.

Benefits

Flexible working conditions

Continuous professional development

Inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in planning policy or development management.
• Chartered RTPI status or working towards it.
• Ability to present complex information clearly.
• Genuine commitment to public service values.
• Understanding of urban planning issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy advice on planning.
• Support decision-making on major applications.
• Engage with developers and community partners.
• Monitor outcomes to ensure effective policy delivery.
• Champion innovation and service excellence.

Skills

Urban planning expertise

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Influential communication

Commitment to equality

Project management

Education

Degree in planning-related discipline

Job description

Overview

This is planning with purpose. As a Senior Policy Planner at Southwark, you’ll sit at the centre of one of London’s most ambitious boroughs, shaping growth, influencing real decisions, and seeing your work translate directly into places people live, work and care about. Southwark is undergoing one of the most exciting and ambitious regeneration programmes in London and you could be at the heart of it. As a Senior Planner, you’ll be instrumental in shaping a borough that’s booming with development, innovation and make a real difference for our residents and businesses alike.

Why this role stands out:

• City-shaping influence: Your advice will help determine how Southwark grows, balances density, and delivers inclusive regeneration
• Breadth with depth: Planning Policy, development management, monitoring and delivery all in one intellectually stretching role
• Credible voice at the table: Trusted to advise Members, senior officers and partners on complex, high-impact planning decisions

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing specialist policy advice across planning policy, development management, monitoring and delivery
• Contributing to borough-wide strategies, guidance and planning frameworks with long-term impact
• Supporting decision-making on major applications, ensuring policy intent translates into high-quality outcomes
• Working collaboratively with transport, environment, design and conservation colleagues
• Engaging developers, community groups and partners to negotiate solutions that balance growth, climate and inclusion
• Monitoring outcomes and performance to ensure policies deliver what they promise
• Advising Members and senior leaders with clarity, confidence and political awareness
• Championing innovation, continuous improvement and service excellence

What We're Looking For

We need a dynamic and experienced Senior Planner who is driven to make a difference and can bring a blend of the following:

• A degree (or master’s) in a planning-related discipline
• Chartered RTPI status or actively working towards it
• Strong experience in planning policy and/or development management within a complex urban environment
• Sound judgement in strategic planning, evidence-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement
• The ability to write, analyse and present complex information clearly for different audiences
• Confidence working at pace, managing competing priorities and contributing positively under pressure
• A genuine commitment to equality, inclusive growth and public service values
• Confident communicator with the ability to work across a wide range of stakeholders and deliver trusted, pragmatic advice.
• Committed to continuous professional development and we’ll invest in your growth too.
• A proven understanding of urban planning issues and the ability to tackle strategic planning with clarity and creativity.
• An enthusiastic, resident-first mindset, driven to help shape the future of Southwark’s urban landscape.
• Confidence managing multiple priorities, with a sharp eye for detail and outcomes.
• Enjoy a balanced approach with flexible home working, alongside travel across the borough.
• This role is being offered on a 2-year Fixed Term Basis.

Additional Information

About Southwark Council

Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with many social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities.Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.

Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Benefits and more information:

£50,175 - £57,495

Application Closing Date:

Interview Date: W/C The 2nd of March 2026

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities.

This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative.

We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\'ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, in which case we will move the key dates for the process. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £50,175 - £57,495