Director of Planning Private

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) is the trade association for aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, industrial sands, dimension stone, lime and mortar producers. MPA represents the interests of its members with all levels of Government, regulators, external audiences and other organisations both in the UK and Overseas. MPA membership is made up of the vast majority of independent SME quarrying companies throughout the UK, as well as all of the major international and global companies within the sector. MPA employs directly around 45 employees supporting the organisation and its members. The industry supplies some £22 billion worth of materials and services to the economy each year. We have an exciting hands-on opportunity for an experienced mineral planner to join the Environment & Mineral Planning team, ensuring the licence to operate of member companies is effectively represented through the mineral planning system at national, regional and local levels. This will be a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, normally during office hours, with occasional need to support activity outside of this. The role will offer the opportunity to be home-based or hybrid (offices in London and Leicester), with the need to travel to member sites and meetings as required. The successful applicant will be the lead industry representative on Aggregate Working Parties, monitoring and responding to developing Mineral Local Plans and where necessary making representations to and attending Public Examinations to ensure policy positions are consistent with the requirements defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated Planning Practice Guidance (PPG). Monitoring and responding to developing Mineral Local Plans in nominated AWP regions in liaison with member companies to ensure emerging Plans are making adequate provision for minerals and are in accordance with national policy and planning guidance. Participate in and attend Public Examinations relating to Local Mineral Plans on behalf of members and respond to Matters and Issues raised by the Planning Inspector by providing written representations. Maintain engagement and communication with mineral planning authorities and with planning, estate and resource representatives within member companies to develop relationships and understand their needs to ensure service delivery. Support wider E&MP team engagement with national planning policy and guidance developments and consultations and wider environmental permitting issues. To include the preparation of the Annual Mineral Planning Survey undertaken by MPA, the work of the water, waste and biodiversity E&MP work groups and support for defined MPA Product Groups. Educated to degree level in geology or another earth science, preferably with a relevant professional qualification in a planning or environmental management related discipline. Expert knowledge of the UK minerals sector and specifically local plan development and development control, estates management or minerals development. Strong written, presentation and advocacy skills, alongside the ability to build and develop trusted relationships.