Principal Strategy and Policy Officer

About us

Warrington is one of the most successful urban economies in the UK. As a former New Town our population has increased by 130,000 over the last 40 years. We are home to 9,000 businesses employing over 155,000 people. Our location at the heart of the north west region provides a unique opportunity for long term success.

Our current Local Plan was adopted in 2023, promoting town centre regeneration, the renewal of our inner urban area, the redevelopment of a former power station and a major urban extension.

The role

As a Principal Policy and Strategy Officer you will be responsible for guiding officers within the Team, overseeing the preparation of technical evidence base documents, taking a lead role in preparing sections of our new Local Plan and defending key elements of the Plan at Examination in Public.

The role will require you to liaise with developers, members of the public, statutory consultees, infrastructure providers and other key stakeholders.

You will lead on the update of the Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Plan, coordinating the work of a wide range of Council services and external partners in planning for the delivery of the major transport, environmental and community infrastructure required to support Warrington’s continued growth.

You will also have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the wider sub-region as we begin to prepare a Spatial Development Strategy for Cheshire and Warrington, ahead of the creation of the Mayoral Combined Authority.

What's needed?

The Government’s changes to the planning system provide the challenge of further increasing the levels of housing and economic development that Warrington is required to accommodate. In responding to this challenge, Warrington will be one of the first councils in the country to prepare a new-style Local Plan.

We are looking for a qualified, experienced and highly skilled planner to take a leading role in our new Local Plan's preparation from the outset.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, working for us means you get:

• 26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service (pro-rata)
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme
• Flexible working

Key Dates & Further Information

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 19th November 2025.

Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 1st December 2025.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Michael Bell, Planning Policy & Programmes Manager on 01925 442795.

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role. Therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.

Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer

For more information and details of how to apply, please visit

Principal Strategy and Policy Officer - 2 years Fixed Term | warrington.gov.uk