Strategic Planning Lead – Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Job title: Strategic Planning Lead – Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Company: Somerset County Council


Job description: Some key information

• This role provides the opportunity for hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home, subject to managerial approval, or from one of our offices.
• 33 days’ annual leave (in addition to bank holidays).
• The contract offered is permanent and full-time (37 hours per week).

What will I be doing?Somerset is a large and diverse county that includes historic towns and cities, the internationally important Levels and Moors, three protected landscapes and a stunning coastline. It also hosts Europe’s largest construction project, Hinkley Point C new nuclear build, and various other major infrastructure schemes including a proposed new reservoir and significant flood defence investment. The Strategic Planning Lead role manages a small team and will be responsible for all planning matters related to Hinkley Point C and other Nationally significant Infrastructure Projects.We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. As the Strategic Planning Lead for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, you will ensure that these projects align with national and local planning policies, contributing to sustainable development whilst meeting the needs of central government requirements and the local community.Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Leading the strategic planning and delivery of NSIPs and DCOs within Somerset whilst providing expert advice.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of planning applications and related documentation and manage the discharge of requirements.
• Negotiate and manage S106 agreements related to the DCO and NSIP schemes.
• Monitor and report on project progress, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Managing the Principal Planning Officer posts in the team.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, with agreement from the manager.What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. However, it is essential that you have:

• A Degree or equivalent recognised Planning qualification.
• Professional membership or eligibility for membership of the RTPI.
• Experience in understanding managing and delivering NSIPs, DCOs; providing advice and responding to proposals for DCO/NSIP/TCPA development.
• Knowledge of national and local planning policies and sustainable development principles.

This role requires a commitment to travelling countywide including rural areas not supported by public transport.We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.What’s in it for me?We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Anything else I should know?The salary for the role is Grade 8 – £49,282 per annum.A supplement allowance of £12,246 per annum is linked to the Strategic Planning Lead – NSIP, bringing the salary to £61,528 per annum. This allowance is subject to National Insurance, Tax and Pension deductions and will be paid in accordance with standard payroll procedures.The allowance is time-limited and will expire on 27/02/2027. All supplement allowances are reviewed 18 months from the original approval date and may be adjusted or withdrawn based on organisational need, role changes, or market conditions.Please note:

• If the role is re-evaluated or the salary changes as a result of the Pay and Grading Review, the allowance may be reduced or cease entirely.

If the salary changes due to the NJC Pay Award, the supplement allowance will be adjusted accordingly to maintain the intended pay differentialFor an informal chat about the role, you can contact Nick Tait, Service Manager: Placemaking and Projects, on or 07876 131121.When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button – we can’t wait to hear from you.

Expected salary: £61528 per year

Location: Somerset

Job date: Sun, 10 Aug 2025 05:10:34 GMT

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