Principal Spatial Planner - Spatial Planning and Public Health HCC624274

Working within the Public Health team as a Principal Spatial Planner, you will play a pivotal role at the intersection of spatial planning and public health. Alongside an existing Principal Spatial Planner, you will collaborate closely with planning, transport, and environment teams across the Council, as well as Local Planning Authorities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape an emerging area of practice by embedding health and wellbeing into planning policy, place-based projects, and major developments, helping to create healthier communities and reduce inequalities.

What you’ll do

• Provide expert advice and proactive technical leadership on public health within spatial planning to internal teams, local authorities, developers, and multi-agency partners.

• Support the spatial planning team in building a progressive vision and culture, helping colleagues maximise public health value in strategic planning and major projects alike.

• Contribute to the development of policies and guidance in line with national and local planning policy.

• Translate public health intelligence, including health inequalities, into spatial planning policy and proposals.

• Respond to major development planning applications and infrastructure projects from a public health perspective.

• Produce clear, quality-assured reports and advice to support informed decision-making across organisations.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders, influencing across sectors and disciplines, while managing competing priorities effectively.

What we’re looking for

• Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field.

• Strong knowledge and experience in planning policy development and the development process.

• Detailed understanding of planning policy, systems, and procedures.

• Excellent leadership, influencing, and interpersonal skills, with experience supporting strategic change.

• Ability to analyse complex data and translate insights into clear, actionable outcomes.

• Experience working collaboratively in a political or complex organisational environment and proven ability to build credibility and relationships across diverse professional groups.

• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Why join us

• Be part of an innovative and growing area of work, shaping how health is embedded into planning and place-making.

• Access excellent professional development opportunities, including pathways towards Public Health Practitioner registration and funded training.

• Work within a supportive, collaborative environment where your contributions are valued.

• Make a tangible difference to communities by improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities through your work.

• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme - to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.

• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Where possible, this role can be offered as a secondment.

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this role.