Planning Officer / Manager

Venn Group; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is currently sourcing experienced professionals for Senior Planning Officer and Planning Manager roles in Leeds. These positions will involve providing planning advice, managing planning applications, and leading the Spatial Planning team. Candidates should have a degree in Town & Country Planning, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and an understanding of planning legislation. Competitive rates apply. This hybrid role is expected to last for 6 months with a possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex planning projects.
• Strong understanding of development processes.
• For Planning Manager roles: strategic planning expertise.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional planning advice on applications.
• Lead and manage the Spatial Planning team.
• Prepare and present reports to committees.
• Collaborate to support economic growth initiatives.

Skills

Planning legislation understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership experience

Education

Degree in Town & Country Planning or equivalent

Eligibility or membership of the RTPI

Job description

We’re currently supporting two local authorities in sourcing experienced professionals for their Planning Services and Spatial Planning teams. These roles will contribute to the delivery of high-quality development management and strategic planning functions.

Senior Planning Officer & Planning Manager

Start : ASAP

Rate : Negotiable (Inside IR35 – Umbrella)

Working Arrangement : Hybrid

Duration : 6 Months Initially (with likely extension)

Key Responsibilities :

Senior Planning Officer :

• Provide professional planning advice and assess planning applications across a range of development types.
• Support sustainable regeneration and growth through sound planning input.
• Prepare and present reports to committees and public inquiries.
• Engage with developers, businesses, and stakeholders to facilitate high-quality development.
• Monitor planning conditions and obligations and support enforcement activities.

Planning Manager :

• Lead and manage a Spatial Planning team in preparing the Local Plan and supporting policy documents.
• Oversee consultation and engagement activities, including public meetings and examinations.
• Coordinate evidence base development and statistical analysis to support planning policies.
• Collaborate across departments to support regeneration and economic growth initiatives.
• Negotiate with developers to secure major investment and ensure policy compliance.

Requirements :

• Degree in Town & Country Planning or equivalent.
• Eligibility or membership of the RTPI.
• Strong understanding of planning legislation, policy, and development processes.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and managing complex planning projects.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
• For Planning Manager roles : leadership experience and strategic planning expertise.

If you’re interested in either of these roles, please apply with your most up-to-date CV or send it directly to [e-mail]