Strategic Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Officer
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: 36.25 hours per week / hybrid working is possible
Fixed Term End Date: 12 months
Interview Date/Type: Face to face / w/c 13 July 2026
SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role
As a Strategic Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Officer, the work you do will be seen and felt in Trafford for the next 20 years and more.
You will be involved in the creation, preparation and implementation of planning, transport and infrastructure policies, strategies, initiatives and schemes ranging from the strategic to the local level.
This role will offer you a unique perspective and excellent grounding in the fields of Town and County Planning and Transport Planning, enabling you to gain unparalleled hands-on experience on a wide range of topic areas, learning from the best in Trafford and Greater Manchester.
Strategic Planning and Growth is a diverse and exciting team to work in, with excellent opportunities for growth and experience through a challenging and varied workload. As a result, you will develop an array of critical transferrable skills ranging from office administration and communication skills to policy and strategy creation, whilst providing support and ideas to enable the team to shape the future of Trafford for everyone.
About You
As a Strategic Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Officer, you will bring to the role:
- A knowledge of (and interest and enthusiasm) for planning in general and planning policy in particular.
- An understanding of transport planning and infrastructure and their relationships with place-making.
- An ability to develop productive and positive working relationships.
- A commitment to continual personal learning and development, including through independent learning.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- An ability to find and communicate innovative solutions to challenges and obstacles.
The Strategic Planning and Growth team look after and plan for the long-term needs and aspirations of Trafford. We allocate land for all types of development to ensure there are enough homes for everyone, as well as enough land and buildings to allow businesses and industry to grow and flourish.
We also protect areas from unnecessary and unplanned development, to ensure that Trafford’s natural environment is improved and enhanced wherever possible, helping to address the climate crisis head-on, whilst also improving the well-being of our residents.
Working collaboratively as a team, we strive to link everything together through sustainable transport, starting with walking and cycling, through to buses, trams and trains.
This is a particularly exciting time to join the Strategic Planning and Growth team, as we work towards the submission of and examination of a new Local Plan for Trafford incorporating transport and infrastructure planning, alongside masterplans for three largescale strategic development sites.
For those interested in a career in this area, we can offer an unrivalled package that includes:
- Mentorship by an experienced management and leadership team.
- The chance for you to join a talented team with a real sense of purpose and a great team spirit.
- A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
- Membership of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible and hybrid working options to promote and support a good work/life balance.
- 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.
- Commitment to learning and personal development and upskilling.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
Find Out More.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Caroline Wright, Strategic Planning and Growth Manager on 07890 032576 / caroline.wright@trafford.gov.uk
About us...
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Why Trafford?
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”
Our Culture...
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.
They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information...
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Make an Impact. Apply Today....
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a values-based interview to learn more about your skills and experience. This is your opportunity to show how you connect with our EPIC values and can contribute to our vision.