Principal Planning Officer

SAFE Consulting Group; Cirencester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A public planning consultancy in Cirencester is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to lead a small team and manage complex planning applications. This role offers the chance to work on strategic projects, mentor junior staff, and influence planning services. The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for good place-making. The position allows for flexible working arrangements, combining both office and home-based options.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

27 days paid annual leave

Health cash plan

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Substantial experience at Senior Planner level required.
• A proven ability to balance technical expertise with community engagement.
• Experience managing a caseload of complex planning applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead a sub-team of case officers on complex planning applications.
• Influence and enhance internal processes and planning strategies.
• Support digital transformation initiatives and mentoring.

Skills

Organisational skills

Proactive communication

Leadership and motivation

Technical expertise

Diplomacy

Education

Planning or related degree

Eligibility for full Membership of the RTPI

Job description

Principal Planning Officer

£48,947 - £52,992 per annum, 37 hours per week

Permanent contract. Cirencester / agile working.

Are you an experienced planner ready to take the next step in your career?

We’re looking for a Principal Planning Officer to join our forward‑thinking Planning Services team in Cirencester. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive planning service of around 40 professionals working across Development Management, Natural and Built Environment, and Policy. Leading a sub‑team of four (three direct reports), you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the district’s growth while mentoring and inspiring others.

This varied role combines managing a caseload of complex, often high‑profile and sensitive planning applications with leading a small team of case officers and working on strategic improvement projects. You’ll have the opportunity to influence and enhance our internal processes, support digital transformation initiatives, and help shape future planning strategies. You’ll tailor projects to suit your interests and professional strengths, giving you the chance to make a lasting impact on how we deliver planning services.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive, and an excellent communicator equally confident presenting to Members and Committee, engaging with developers and consultants, or collaborating with heritage, policy, county, and parish colleagues. You’ll need to balance technical expertise with diplomacy and the ability to consider diverse perspectives from communities and stakeholders. This role would suit an experienced planner or a Senior Planner with at least three years of experience who’s ready to step up into a leadership role and take on new challenges.

If you’re passionate about good place‑making, mentoring others, and shaping the future of planning in the Cotswolds, we’d love to hear from you.

You will need

• A planning or related degree.
• Eligibility for full Membership of the RTPI.
• Substantial experience at Senior Planner level.
• The ability to facilitate and manage ongoing change.
• The ability to inspire and successfully motivate others towards shared objectives.
• Deliver commitments and take ownership of own caseload, reshaping of plans to deliver required outcomes.

Special Conditions

• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
• This is a politically restricted appointment within the meaning of the Local Government Act 1989 and regulations made thereunder.

Advert Closing Date: 13th January 2026.

Interview dates: 22nd and 29th January 2026.

What Can We Do For You

• Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working.
• Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
• 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years of service.
• In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year to support a charity of your choice.
• Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care.
• Generous contributory local government pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars.
• Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements.

About The Organisation

We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. We’re busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast‑changing environment. That means we need to be fleet of foot and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities.

That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the district’s vibrant economy.

Accredited disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies – please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.