Principal Planner

TN United Kingdom; Romford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planner to lead strategic planning applications and contribute to sustainable growth. This pivotal role involves managing a team, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and engaging with stakeholders to foster community benefits. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Development Management, a strong grasp of planning legislation, and exceptional communication skills. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and collaboration, and play a key role in shaping the future of the borough.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Development Management focusing on complex schemes.
• Strong knowledge of planning policy and the London context.
• Demonstrable supervisory experience with team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead processing of strategic planning applications, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Deputise for Team Leader and manage service delivery planning.
• Provide high-quality pre-application advice and negotiate planning obligations.

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

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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:

1. Lead and manage the processing of complex and strategic planning applications, ensuring statutory deadlines are met.
2. Deputise for the Team Leader in managing the strategic planning team, contributing to service delivery planning, budget management, and performance monitoring.
3. Provide high-quality pre-application advice, negotiate planning obligations, and secure community benefits through S106 agreements.
4. Present applications and advice at Planning Committee and represent the Council in public inquiries and appeal hearings.
5. Supervise and develop Planning Officers, supporting performance reviews, training, and professional development.
6. Contribute to regeneration and placemaking through innovative development proposals.
7. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including planning and local government law, and operate within constitutional procedures.
8. 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.