Rother District Council is an ambitious Council at the heart of 1066 Country in East Sussex. Based in Bexhill-on-Sea the district also covers the historic towns of Battle and Rye as well as a large, attractive rural area, predominantly falling within the High Weald National Landscape. Rother is a vibrant and inclusive district, and we are looking for forward thinking planning professionals to join our talented and enthusiastic planning team. The post holder will join the team at an exciting time and will have an important role to play in helping shape Rother. They will take a lead role in preparing the Council’s planning policy framework and seeing the new Local Plan through to adoption.

You will be supporting our customers and helping them to understand the role good planning makes in shaping an area. As a valuable member of our planning team, you will join a progressive council that always puts their customers first. We know that to provide the best for our residents, businesses and visitors, we need to do the same for our people. We have set out to make our workplaces happy and have safe environments where staff feel content and valued.

This post comes with an additional market supplement , with a review after one year, in recognition of the specialist skills required.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Management of relevant planning policy officers
• With the Planning Policy Manager, taking a lead role in preparing the Council’s Local Plan, including formulating planning policies, undertaking and managing associated studies and assessments, carrying out public consultations, presenting at meetings and examination
• Contribute to other workstreams of the Planning Policy and Placemaking team as required, including the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy, Neighbourhood Planning, Monitoring functions, and Design

Key Skills, Qualifications and Knowledge

• Planning or related degree and full membership of the RTPI
• Significant planning policy experience
• A sound understanding of the local plan process, including its key aims, policy and legislative background
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Excellent time management and workload planning skills
• Highly motivated

What Rother District Council can offer you:

We take pride in offering an excellent employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

If you would like an informal discussion regarding this vacancy, please contact Holly Harrison, via email at Holly.Harrison@rother.gov.uk

The job description and application form are available to download below.

Please return applications and queries to: recruitment@rother.gov.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on Sunday 13^th July 2025

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and community sectors