Good Growth

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

About the team

GLA Planning & Regeneration plays a core role in shaping and planning London’s future growth, and in delivering good growth across the city, for London’s communities. This role will be within new ATLAS London team which sits alongside the Development Management & Viability Team, which is responsible for reviewing all referable planning applications, providing pre-application and viability advice, and advising the Mayor and Deputy Mayor on development management matters.

ATLAS London will provide an independent expert planning service to the London boroughs across various disciplines. Town planning capacity and associated specialist expertise is cited as a major barrier to housing delivery in London. Supported by MHCLG and Homes England, the GLA is establishing ATLAS London, a team of planners and other specialists, providing coordinated capacity to London’s Local Planning Authorities (LPAs), to unlock strategic sites, support masterplan development, enable quicker delivery and promote best practice 

The team will work closely with MHCLG/Homes England and other parts of Whitehall to help bridge the gap between policy and delivery. By providing targeted additional capacity to LPAs, planning determination for thousands of new and affordable homes can be supported and expedited.

About the role

We are seeking three experienced, driven and dynamic Principal Strategic Planners to join our ATLAS London team.

You will be responsible for leading programmes and large-scale development projects whilst providing expert planning advice to the various London Borough’s.

The role has the potential to support local and regional masterplan development that interpret strategic and local policy and guide area-based development and growth areas.

This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, a passion for public sector planning and a thorough understanding of planning legislation and policy.

You will need:

• Educational Background: A degree in planning or a related discipline, with eligibility for membership in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
• Professional Experience: Significant experience in town planning, particularly within a similar organisational context, with a comprehensive understanding of national, regional, and London-specific planning issues.
• Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex projects and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.

What your day will look like

As Principal Strategic Planner you will:

• Lead the evaluation of major and complex planning applications working alongside borough colleagues to identify and assist in the resolution of issues.
• Contribute to capacity led programmes and be able to promote the value of public sector planning
• Provide expert planning advice to internal teams, external stakeholders, borough colleagues and elected officials when required,
• Influence and contribute to the development and implementation of site strategies.
• Mentor other officers and build knowledge and skills within the Boroughs when required, fostering professional development and high-quality output.
•  Collaborate with local authorities, developers, and other partners to deliver sustainable, inclusive and high-quality development.
• Represent the GLA at external meetings, committees. events and stakeholder meetings when required

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Possession of an appropriate planning qualification with eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute together with good post qualification experience in planning.
• Proven track record in handling major planning applications and complex development proposals. Have the ability to lead and manage projects, take responsibility for key actions; be intellectually curious and be adaptable and flexible to project needs.

Strong understanding of the working environment of a local planning authority and knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act, London Plan, and related policy frameworks.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes under pressure.
• Passionate about shaping London’s built environment to support sustainable growth and community needs.

Please find the full Job Description here

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you’ll need to submit:

• an online application

• a Word statement (1,500 words) outlining how you meet the essential criteria as well as the competencies outlined in the advert.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager, Richard Green, would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at richard.green@london.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glarecruitment@engageats.co.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: Tuesday 23 September 2025

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 Secondment Opportunity

If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying 

• On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period;
• successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role; and
• at least 18 months service with the GLA 

If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed.

If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment.  For further information, please see Secondment Policy and Procedure.

IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on a fixed-term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment.

If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.