Minerals & Waste Lead Planning Officer

3-Month Contract

All the relevant skills, qualifications and experience that a successful applicant will need are listed in the following description.
Full-Time
£47.09 per hour

We are seeking an experienced Minerals & Waste Lead Planning Officer to join our client on an initial 3-month contract. This is a senior leadership role supporting the Head of Planning Policy & Placemaking, with responsibility for overseeing the operational management and strategic delivery of Minerals & Waste Planning services.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned planning professional to lead on high-profile policy development, development management, and service transformation.

You will lead on all matters relating to the Councils statutory responsibilities for Minerals & Waste Planning, ensuring delivery of a high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused service.

The role spans:

• Plan-making and policy development
• Development management of planning applications
• Service improvement and transformation
• Leadership of a specialist planning team

You will also play a key role in promoting sustainable development, environmental protection, and the circular economy.

• Lead and manage the Minerals & Waste Planning team, including Principal Planning Officers
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with legislation and corporate objectives
• Work collaboratively across planning teams in a matrix management structure
• Deputise for the Head of Policy & Placemaking when required
• Lead the preparation, review, and delivery of the Minerals & Waste Local Plan
• Ensure a robust and up-to-date policy framework is maintained
• Represent the Council at regional and national planning forums
• Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, Members, and external bodies
• Oversee complex Minerals & Waste planning applications
• Ensure high-quality, timely decision-making processes
• Represent the Council at hearings, inquiries, and examinations
• Lead public consultation and community engagement activities
• Attend and represent the Council at committees, xwzovoh boards, and public meetings
• Build strong relationships with developers, stakeholders, and partner authorities

• Degree in Town Planning (or equivalent) eligible for RTPI membership
• Chartered RTPI status (or working towards)
• Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system, including NPPF
• Significant senior-level experience in Minerals & Waste Planning
• Proven track record in:
  • Planning policy development or
  • Development management of Minerals & Waste applications
• Strong stakeholder engagement experience (Members, developers, public)
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills