Senior Strategic Planning Officer
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: 36.25 hours per week
Interview Date/Type: w/c 23 November 2026 / Face to face
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
We currently have an exciting vacancy within our team at a pivotal stage in Trafford's planning future. The Trafford Local Plan is progressing towards submission for independent examination and this role will play an important part in supporting the evidence base, preparation of examination materials and wider plan-making work that will shape Trafford's communities, economy and environment for years to come.
As a Senior Strategic Planning Officer, you will be involved in the creation, preparation and implementation of planning policies and transport related strategies, initiatives and schemes ranging from the strategic to the local level. In this role you will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of strategic planning projects, including Local Plan delivery, strategic site masterplanning, housing and employment evidence, infrastructure planning and transport policy; working closely with colleagues, consultants, stakeholders and partner organisations across Greater Manchester.
In undertaking this role, you will take a leading role on various elements of policy and strategy creation, providing intuitive and creative professional advice and guidance to colleagues and internal and external stakeholders and partners.
About You
You will demonstrate our values through the way you work every day. Committed to continuous improvement, you will actively seek opportunities to learn, develop and enhance outcomes. You will build positive relationships, valuing and respecting the contributions of colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals. Taking ownership and accountability for your work, you will aim to get things right first time, learning from experience when things do not go as planned. You will be proactive in resolving issues, embracing change and adapting your approach to make a lasting and positive impact.
You must have a degree or equivalent qualification, at least 3 years' experience within a planning role and a good understanding of planning legislation, planning policy and transport strategy. Experience of plan-making, evidence preparation and policy development would be advantageous. Given the team's current programme of work, knowledge and understanding of the Local Plan process, particularly preparation for submission and examination, together with an good understanding of housing land supply and related evidence, would be beneficial.
Accordingly, we are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience or knowledge of development plan preparation, examination processes, housing land supply, housing need evidence, monitoring, site assessments or related planning evidence work.
About us
Trafford’s Strategic Planning and Growth team is part of the wider Strategic Growth Service which is based at the Town Hall in Stretford, and you will report to the Principal Transport Policy Officer.
Trafford is a diverse and exciting place to work with excellent opportunities for a challenging and varied workload. You will be joining a busy, friendly, and proactive team with opportunities to work with a range of public and private sector stakeholders.
This is a particularly exciting time to join the Strategic Planning and Growth team. The Trafford Local Plan is approaching submission and independent examination, alongside the preparation and delivery of masterplans for major strategic growth locations. The team is also playing a key role in shaping the future of Trafford Wharfside, including the proposed redevelopment of the Manchester United stadium and surrounding area, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most important phases of the plan-making process whilst helping to shape the future growth, regeneration and development of the borough.
The team are also working with partners and the government on Northern Powerhouse Rail, the planned airport station and the implementation of GM’s Transport 2040 strategy alongside many other regeneration and transport/ infrastructure projects.
We recognise that having a diverse workforce is essential to bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to our Council, so we particularly welcome applications from minority, marginalised and diverse groups, and we in turn promise a fair and unbiased recruitment process.
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 the hiring manager, 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.