Principal Planning Manager

inploi; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A city planning department in Manchester is seeking a Senior Town Planner committed to shaping the vision of the city. In this role, you will manage development policies and lead a team in driving significant urban regeneration initiatives. Successful candidates will possess relevant qualifications and a strong background in development management. The department offers a competitive benefits package including generous leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Pension enrollment

Enhanced parental leave

Access to discounts

Nurturing talent opportunities

Volunteering leave

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a development management role at a senior level.
• Demonstrated successful planning outcomes.
• Effective management and coordination of a team.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Council's planning policies for regeneration.
• Manage growth in strategically important regeneration areas.
• Create great places that attract investment.

Skills

Development management experience

Planning system knowledge

Team management

Education

Recognised Town Planning Qualification

Job description

Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Closing Date: 05 October 2025

Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face

This role is subject to 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.

Introduction to Manchester

Manchester is one of the world’s greatest cities. A city with a reputation for innovation. A reputation for creativity. A thriving regional economy and a proud sense of identity. We are a city with a rich history, a vibrant present-day, and much to look forward to in the future.

About the Role

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping this dynamic modern city. We are looking for a talented and highly experienced town planner, who is committed to Manchester, and its vision, in order to realise outcomes for our residents, businesses and visitors.

The role is within the Central Development Management (DM) Team of the Manchester Planning Service – a high profile, frontline service within the City Council.

Responsibilities

The Central DM Team is responsible for the implementation of the Council's planning policies for the ongoing physical regeneration of the City Centre. We have a number of nationally significant development areas including Corridor Manchester, First Street, Great Jackson Street and Piccadilly East as part of meeting our housing and economic growth objectives.

The team is also responsible for managing the growth of the City Centre into a number of strategically important regeneration areas, including Victoria North, Strangeways, Ancoats and New Islington, Holt Town and the Etihad Campus, in order to create great places that bring people and communities together, attract investment and ensure that Manchester continues to thrive.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in a development management role at a senior level. They will also be able to demonstrate how they have delivered successful planning outcomes, and as well as the effective management and coordination of a team, to realise Council priorities.

You must possess a recognised Town Planning Qualification and have significant knowledge, understanding and experience of the statutory planning system and its operation within a local planning authority.

What We Offer

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Generous holiday allowance - up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays
• A buzzing pension - you’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - take advantage of our enhanced family leave options
• Brilliant perks - access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out
• Learn and grow - we are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive
• A Good Employment Charter member - we are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave

Diversity and Inclusion

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s)
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role