Principal Strategic Planner

Principal Strategic Planner

Good Growth

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor's environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

About the team

The London Plan Team is a friendly and inclusive team of innovators and experts at the forefront of Planning, developing new forward thinking strategic policies to promote high quality sustainable development in London as we move towards a new London Plan. We think long-term and big picture - without taking our eye off the detail. Our work involves policy making to bring forward good growth that meets London's needs in a sustainable way to deliver high quality living for all.

We welcome and support new staff to make sure they become effective members of the team, helping them to realise their full potential, not only to deliver their responsibilities but also to help them achieve their own professional career aspirations.

About the role

The London Plan (the Mayor's Spatial Development Strategy), shapes the growth of London as a whole, setting the parameters and policies for development across the capital, from planning for the homes and employment space that Londoners need, to delivering the infrastructure necessary to meet growth ambitions. It's an exciting time to join as we are in the process of preparing a new draft plan, and the programme leading up to and including the plan's examination-in-public and adoption.

From leading conversations and engagement with stakeholders and communities, to producing data-driven evidence, and using your judgment and knowledge to advise the Senior Team and Deputy Mayor on planning and policy formation, no two days will be the same.

This role is within the housing sub-team of the London Plan which specialises in:

• encouraging and supporting housing growth
• understanding the capital's housing need and supply opportunities
• the economics and delivery mechanisms of affordable housing
• specialist housing and its role in providing choice in the housing market.

The housing sub-team is not responsible for policy on housing or urban design, or energy standards.

You'll be a skilled communicator, with a successful track record of policy development and plan-making, ideally with experience of a full cycle of a plan's development, from evidence building to engagement, to housing related policy writing and Examination.

Experience of working in planning policy at a London borough will be particularly welcome.

You'll have excellent knowledge of the range of planning issues facing the capital and be able to demonstrate your political awareness. You'll bring your enthusiasm to work with you in a role where you can benefit from professional development opportunities and on-the-job learning, as well as wider leadership opportunities, e.g. through participation in and leadership of our staff networks, and involvement in work to promote the equalities, diversity and inclusion agenda.

This helps to make the GLA a great place to work, and a place that reflects the communities we serve.

We're positive about flexible and hybrid working, with regular attendance at our office at Union Street, SE1 (Mondays) with an expectation that staff may need to attend in person up to 1 or 2 additional days per week, (site visits or attendance at other external meetings count towards this). We are a diverse organisation and particularly welcome applications from minority groups including black and minority ethnic staff and the LGBTQ community.

Principal Accountabilities

Lead or contribute to spatial strategies: development, monitoring and review of the London Plan.

Mayor's Briefings and reports for the Mayor, Assembly and other organisations on planning and spatial development issues.

Lead or contribute to the initiation, design, management and completion of relevant policy development projects and research.

Lead or contribute to advice on planning briefs, development proposals and the plans and strategies of other agencies especially Local Development Documents and the development plans of authorities outside London.

Lead or contribute to coordination, liaison and engagement processes necessary to address spatial development and planning issues.

Prepare responses on behalf of the GLA to complex issues raised by the public and diverse agencies.

Lead on or contribute to representation of the Mayor's planning and development policies, concerns and objectives to examinations in public or representation hearings, including those into Local Development Documents, commissions and public inquiries.

Technical Requirements/ Experience/ Qualifications

Qualification in planning and relevant professional experience as a senior planner within a similar organisation or business environment

Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of national, regional and London strategic planning…