Principal Planning Officer

Essential Employment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent employment agency is looking for a Principal Planning Officer in Guildford. This temporary role requires managing complex planning applications and ensuring housing targets are met. The successful candidate will have strong drafting skills for reports, experience in negotiating agreements, and excellent communication abilities to liaise with various stakeholders. The position is fast-paced, requiring a proactive approach and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in managing high-profile planning applications.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to balance independent and collaborative work.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of major planning applications.
• Ensure housing delivery targets are met within deadlines.
• Draft clear reports and recommendations for decisions.
• Negotiate S106 agreements with precision.

Skills

Proven expertise in drafting clear reports

Strong communication skills

Ability to negotiate S106 agreements

Highly organized

Proactive and resilient

Job description

Principal Planning Officer needed in Guildford

This is a temporary contract paying £31.44ph PAYE

This is a temporary role

The reference number is: 5280999

The successful candidate will manage a caseload of major, high‑profile and complex planning applications, ensuring that housing delivery targets are met within agreed deadlines. They will demonstrate proven expertise in drafting clear, accurate reports and recommendations for committee or delegated decisions, alongside negotiating S106 agreements with confidence and precision. Strong communication skills will enable them to liaise effectively with councillors, portfolio holders, developers, consultees and community groups, maintaining professional relationships and resolving conflict constructively. They will be highly organised, proactive and resilient, balancing independent working with collaborative team engagement, and consistently delivering excellent performance, accuracy and customer service in a fast‑paced environment.

If you are interested in the role please apply on our website with your CV, alternatively you can email your CV to [e-mail] quoting the reference number.

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please be prepared.

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