Principal Planner

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Principal Planning Officer in South West London, contributing to the Thames Water Scheme. You'll lead planning assessments, guide stakeholders, and manage applications in a dynamic team environment. Enjoy a competitive pay rate and a work-life balance with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive umbrella rate

Work-life balance friendly

Hybrid Working

Opportunity to contribute to sustainable change

Qualifications

• Proven experience in complex development management casework.
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the planning assessment and coordination of applications.
• Provide professional guidance to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Oversee and determine a wide range of planning applications.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical

Education

Chartered Membership of the RTPI

Job description

Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)
Hours: 36 per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Interim / Temporary
Pay: 42.14 per hour (Umbrella)

Join our client based in South West London as a Principal Planning Officer and play a key role in shaping one of the UK's major infrastructure projects - the Thames Water Scheme.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Planner to provide expert support in Development Management, with a focus on large-scale and nationally significant infrastructure planning. You will be working within a collaborative, dynamic team environment, contributing to complex casework and helping drive strategic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the planning assessment and coordination of applications related to the Thames Water project.

• Provide professional guidance to colleagues, stakeholders, and elected members.

• Oversee and determine a wide range of planning applications in line with statutory regulations.

• Represent the Council at committees, inquiries, and public meetings.

• Support junior staff and contribute to continuous service improvement.

Requirements:

• Chartered Membership of the RTPI (or eligibility).

• Proven experience in complex development management casework.

• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and procedures.

• Effective communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Why Apply?

• Work on a nationally significant infrastructure project.

• Competitive umbrella rate of 42.14 per hour.

• Monday to Friday, 36 hours/week - work-life balance friendly.

• Hyrbid Working: One day a week in the office.

• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable and transformative change in the borough.