Senior Policy Officer - Spatial Planning

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA),
We're looking for a Senior Policy Officer – Spatial Planning to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), playing a leading role in developing the policies that will guide where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered across the region.
This is a rare opportunity to influence one of the UK's most significant strategic planning programmes. You'll help develop the West Midlands Spatial Development Strategy, working with local authorities, government, developers and regional partners to create a long-term vision for sustainable growth.
If you're an experienced planning professional who enjoys turning evidence into policy, influencing decision-makers and working collaboratively to deliver real change, we'd love to hear from you.

• Lead the development of housing policy within the Spatial Development Strategy.
• Manage evidence-based projects, including housing capacity studies and digital planning initiatives.
• Provide expert planning policy advice to local authority partners, helping align Local Plans with the Spatial Development Strategy.
• Develop and oversee key planning policy documents from inception through consultation to adoption.
• Produce high-quality briefings and policy advice for the Mayor, Combined Authority leadership and senior officers.
• Lead engagement with local authorities, government departments and a wide range of external stakeholders.
• Manage thematic working groups and contribute to the successful delivery of the wider Spatial Development Strategy programme.
• Coordinate programme planning, reporting and governance, ensuring projects are delivered on time and provide value for money.
• Represent WMCA at regional and national meetings, conferences and discussions with government and partner organisations.

You'll be an experienced planning professional with a strong understanding of strategic planning and policy development. You'll enjoy working in a collaborative environment, building relationships and influencing outcomes while balancing competing priorities.
You'll also have:

• Significant experience developing planning policy covering housing, regeneration, economic development, investment and infrastructure.
• Experience leading major planning policy documents through consultation, examination and adoption.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex evidence and translate it into clear policy recommendations.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to explain complex planning issues to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Political awareness and the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• A proactive, delivery-focused approach with the ability to work independently and use your own initiative.
• Experience working collaboratively across organisations and at the interface between local and central government.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• A degree (or equivalent), relevant professional membership such as MRTPI (or another appropriate professional body), and a minimum of three years' post-qualification experience.

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, 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. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and…