Job Description

Job Introduction

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is seeking to appoint two Principal Planning Policy Officers to join the Homes and Regeneration team.


These roles offer the unique opportunity to lead workstreams for the region's Spatial Development Strategy. This will be a comprehensive plan to guide how the West of England will grow in future, setting out strategic policies for future Local Plans to respond to.


Successful candidates will be motivated by the challenge and invested in delivering long-term change for the region. With Government and Committee backing to deliver, we see this as pivotal time to shape a coordinated approach to planning for the future homes, jobs, infrastructure, nature and climate resilience.


Please note that there are two roles available, with slight variations in preferred experience - you will find this information in the document attached to this advert. Please state which role you are looking to apply for in your application.


If you have any questions about the role or would like to have an informal conversation with the hiring manager, please contact either:

Victoria Robinson, Planning Policy Lead, at Victoria.Robinson@WesofEngland-ca.gov.uk, or Alex Cobb, Head of Place Strategy at Alex.Cobb@WestofEngland-ca.gov.uk

The interviews are planned to be held during w/c 22nd September. Please note this may be subject to change.


The closing date for this role is 14th September.


About The Company

Our Offer

Alongside the opportunity to lead change, drive strategic initiatives, and make a real difference in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous or reckonable service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme. 1 day of paid leave each year to volunteer Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of 15.3% Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

The West of England is an amazing part of the world to live and work. We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.


The salary for this role is 56,963 - 62,682. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.


We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

Good Employment Charter

As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we're committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.


Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don't wait to apply. If you have started your application, we'll give you notice of the new closing date by email.


From a recruitment agency? We're not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.