Principal Planner

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Havering-Atte-Bower; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planner for a 5-6 month contract with a Local Authority. This pivotal role involves leading strategic planning applications and contributing to the borough's sustainable growth. The successful candidate will manage a team, ensure compliance with legislation, and champion customer service. If you have extensive experience in Development Management and a passion for placemaking, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Development Management focused on complex schemes.
• Strong knowledge of planning policy and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead processing of strategic planning applications.
• Manage team operations and ensure timely delivery of services.

Skills

Development Management

Planning Policy Knowledge

Supervisory Experience

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Tools

Planning IT Systems

Office-based IT Systems

Job description

Contract | CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD | United Kingdom

Posted On 28/04/2025

Job Information

Work Experience 1-3 years

Public Sector and Government

City Havering

Province Havering

Postal Code RM12

Job Description

5-6 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The Principal Planner will play a pivotal role in leading the delivery of strategic and complex planning applications across the borough.

• Through advanced Development Management, placemaking, and supervisory expertise, the postholder will contribute to the borough’s regeneration and sustainable growth in line with the Local Plan.

• The role involves deputising for the Strategic Applications Team Leader, managing team operations, and ensuring the timely and high-quality delivery of planning services.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead and manage the processing of complex and strategic planning applications, ensuring statutory deadlines are met.

• Deputise for the Team Leader in managing the strategic planning team, contributing to service delivery planning, budget management, and performance monitoring.

• Provide high-quality pre-application advice, negotiate planning obligations, and secure community benefits through S106 agreements.

• Present applications and advice at Planning Committee and represent the Council in public inquiries and appeal hearings.

• Supervise and develop Planning Officers, supporting performance reviews, training, and professional development.

• Contribute to regeneration and placemaking through innovative development proposals.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including planning and local government law, and operate within constitutional procedures.

• Champion customer service, equalities, and diversity within service delivery and team management.

Skills/Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in Development Management with several years focused on complex or strategic schemes.

• Strong knowledge of planning policy, legislation, and the London planning context, including regeneration and placemaking.

• Demonstrable supervisory experience, including performance management and team development.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.

• High-level negotiation, presentation, and decision-making skills, including the ability to handle politically sensitive cases.

• Proficiency in project management, time/prioritisation, and use of planning and office-based IT systems.

• Proven ability to manage customer relationships and complex stakeholder engagement.

• Experience presenting at Planning Committees and acting as a lead officer at public inquiries and appeals.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 16/05/2025 @17:00.

• We are working from home but there may be an occasional need to go into the office/attend Committee meetings.