Senior Policy Planner

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; Dover; Hybrid; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Dover is looking for a Senior Policy Planner to join its Planning Policy and Projects team. This role involves managing planning policy projects, providing advice on applications, and collaborating with stakeholders. Required qualifications include a degree in town planning and 2-3 years of relevant experience. The council offers a supportive work environment and various employee benefits, including healthcare and a pension scheme. Hybrid working options are also available.

Benefits

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Local government pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Leisure centre discount

On-site parking

Cycle2Work scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Qualifications

• 2 to 3 years' experience in town planning.
• Understanding of planning legislation.
• Experience in preparing planning policy documents.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and policy development.
• Provide planning policy advice on applications.
• Attend external meetings and public hearings.

Skills

Town planning experience

Project management

Excellent report writing

Research and analysis skills

Good IT skills

Communication skills

Ability to build relationships

Education

Degree in town planning or relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Senior Policy Planner

Salary Starting from £41,753 per annum (DDC grade G)

Are you looking totake a step up in your planning career?Orperhaps youareseekingfresh challenges in a new location?

Dover District Council islooking fora Senior Policy Plannerto join ourexperienced and supportive Planning Policy and Projects team. Thispositionoffersa fantastic opportunity for building your experience and progressing a career in planning.

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes, a career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.

As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.

Dover’s Planning and Development Service has a successful record of plan-making and driving high-quality place-making,which is strongly supported by its elected members.

The Role & Responsibilities

As a senior planner within the planning policy team, you will take an active role in the preparation, adoption, implementation and review of the Council’s Development Plan Documents, Supplementary Guidance/Plans and supporting evidence base and will independently manage projects and areas of policy development. You will play a leading role in the production of key policy documents such as the Authority Monitoring Report, Land Supply Report and Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

You will provide planning policy advice on planning applications and pre-application enquiries. Engagement with the community and involvement in the preparation of neighbourhood development plans are key aspects of the role.

This role will involve attendance at external and public meetings, examinations and appeal hearings or inquiries and you will have the opportunity to support and guide junior members of the team.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for aplanner with at least 2 to 3 years’ experience in town planning and a working knowledge of planning legislation,who can take a lead role on a wide range of planning policy projects. An understanding of local government structures and procedures is essential.

You will be confident ineffectivelymanagingyour workload andwill have experience in preparing planning policy documents, plan-making practice and monitoring and reporting procedures. You must have practical experience of project delivery with excellent report writing, research and analysis skills.

You will also have experience at examination or appeal hearings and advising on planning policy matters through the application process. Good IT skills and experience with Microsoft office products is expected.

The ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively will bereally important– you will beregularly workingwith a variety of internal and externalcustomers and elected councillors.

If you are a plannerwho is confident in successfully leading projects through to delivery with excellent communication skills, the enthusiasm to support and guide junior members of the team and youare seeking a role that presents challengeanddaily diversity,this could be the perfect move.

What Can We Offer

We work in a hybrid way with a mix of office (2 days a week minimum required) and home working (business need permitting).

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:

• Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Program
• Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• Generous annual leave provision
• Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
• On-site parking
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.

What Next?

If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Carly Pettit, Planning Policy Team Leader - [e-mail] or 01304 793208.

To apply click on the '<strong>apply button</strong>'

Job Advert Closes Midnight on Monday 2nd March 2026

Interviews to be held on Thursday 12th March 2026

Attachments Senior Policy Planner JD.docx