Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy

Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy

Join to apply for the Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer - Planning Policy role at Guildford Borough Council

This range is provided by Guildford Borough Council. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Guildford Borough Council’s high-performing Planning Policy team as a Principal Strategic Infrastructure Officer
. We are seeking a motivated and experienced planning professional with a strong background in strategic infrastructure planning who is looking to take the next step in their career.

You’ll be joining a dynamic and successful team with a proven track record in Local Plan preparation, including the adoption of two Local Plans in the past six years. We are now at the early stages of producing a new Local Plan under the new plan‑making process —making this a particularly exciting time to get involved and help shape the future growth of the borough.

About the Role

This role plays a key part in supporting the development of infrastructure strategy and policy for the Local Plan and other planning policy projects. You will…

• Lead the preparation of infrastructure evidence, including the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) and plan viability assessment
• Oversee the commissioning and development of evidence to support the implementation and review of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the successful planning and delivery of infrastructure aligned with the Local Pla

About

You will have

• A recognised degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning
• Chartered membership of the RTPI (or eligibility for membership)
• Proven experience in infrastructure planning and Local Plan preparation within a Local Authority setting
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to coordinate across a wide range of stakeholders

Why Join

• A career average earnings pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working arrangements, including a mix of home and office‑based work

Information to guide your application

Please review the accompanying person specification to guide your application. To be shortlisted for interview, you must clearly demonstrate—using relevant examples—how you meet the essential and, where possible, desirable criteria.

For further information about the role, please contact Riaan van Eeden or Laura Howard, Interim Planning Policy Manager.

Please note:

The Council may conduct interviews and appoint a candidate during the advertisement period. We encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.

About Guildford

Guildford is a regional centre for leisure, business, education, shopping and culture set in beautiful countryside that includes the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Guildford is a thriving market town and is a principal shopping destination with a vibrant night‑time economy. The town’s geographical location provides excellent transport links in all directions, London is just 30 minutes away on the train and the town is well‑served by frequent bus routes and subsidised Park and Ride facilities.

All of this contributes to a quality of life that attracts many people to live, work in and visit Guildford.

We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and post‑holders to share this commitment. To fulfil this commitment we have robust systems in place for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Government Administration, Architecture and Planning, and Community Development and Urban Planning