Oxfordshire County Council is hiring a Lead Strategic Planner (NSIPs) for its Strategic Planning and Infrastructure team in Oxford. The permanent role pays £51,928 to £55,224 a year and covers 37 hours each week. The post leads the council’s strategic and technical input to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects across Oxfordshire. Applications remain open until 25 October 2026, with the application instructions giving 26 October 2026 as the closing date.
The role works with district councils, developers, government bodies and regional partners on major infrastructure proposals. The successful planner prepares advice, coordinates specialist input, supports consultation and takes part in examinations. Hybrid and flexible working are available for discussion at interview.
Role: Lead Strategic Planner (NSIPs)
Employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Employment type: Permanent
Working hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £51,928 to £55,224 per year
Closing date: 25 October 2026, with 26 October 2026 stated in the application instructions
Oxford-based planning roles sit within a countywide service that deals with evidence, policy, growth and strategic infrastructure. The permanent position works across the county and the wider region rather than focusing on a single development site.
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects The planner leads Oxfordshire County Council’s input to NSIPs, which are large infrastructure schemes assessed through a national planning process. The work includes reviewing proposals, coordinating the council’s technical specialists and turning evidence into clear planning advice.
Consultation work continues through examination stages, where the planner helps organise the council’s response and ensures that relevant planning matters receive a clear treatment. Planning performance agreements also form part of the work, alongside briefings, reports and recommendations for senior leaders and elected members.
- Strategic and infrastructure planning advice
- Multidisciplinary technical coordination
- Consultation involvement and examination participation
- Planning performance agreements
- Briefings and recommendations for senior decision-makers
Strategic Planning And Infrastructure Team The post sits in the Place Shaping service within the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure team. Colleagues work with partners across Oxfordshire and the wider region on evidence, planning policies, future growth and the infrastructure needed to support it.
The role builds working relationships with district councils, developers, government bodies and other partners. Strong influencing and collaboration skills are needed because the work brings together different technical views, planning responsibilities and delivery interests.
Planning Experience And Professional Knowledge Applicants need significant experience in strategic, development or infrastructure planning. The role requires a strong understanding of planning legislation, policy frameworks and statutory consultation processes, supported by analytical and communication skills.
A relevant degree or equivalent substantial experience meets the academic requirement. Professional membership, or eligibility for membership, of a relevant body such as the Royal Town Planning Institute is also relevant to the appointment.
Working Arrangements And Council Benefits Hybrid and flexible working arrangements can be discussed at interview. The post involves partnership work across Oxfordshire and the wider region, so the working pattern includes collaboration with public bodies, developers and infrastructure partners beyond the immediate office team.
Oxfordshire County Council provides up to 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with an option to buy additional leave. The Local Government Pension Scheme includes employer contributions of up to 18.9%, while learning and development, agile-working technology, an Employee Assistance Programme and unlimited Copilot access are also listed as benefits.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Sarah Steere-Smith or George Gurney at Oxfordshire County Council. The role is intended for a planner who can lead specialist advice, represent the council during major infrastructure processes and contribute to evidence-led decisions about future growth.
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