Principal Planning Officer

Pertemps; Scotland; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council is seeking a motivated Principal Planning Officer/Team Leader to oversee appeals and enforcement within the Planning team. This key leadership role demands technical expertise, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to high standards of service delivery. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate qualification in planning or a related field and proven experience in Development Control or Planning Enforcement. With responsibilities spanning a diverse set of teams, this role offers an opportunity to drive forward a culture of excellence in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Development Control or Planning Enforcement.
• Excellent knowledge of planning legislation and policies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Enforcement function across 4 area teams.
• Provide guidance and support to team members.
• Manage and oversee appeals, track progress, and prepare reports.

Skills

Development Control

Planning Enforcement

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Postgraduate Qualification in Urban Design, Historic Building Conservation, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Town Planning

Job description

Location: Somerset (2 days wfh)
Rate: £57.76 (umbrella) (inside IR35)
HPW: 37 (9:00 - 17:30)
Duration: 2 Months (option to be extended)

I'm looking for a Principal Planning Officer/Team Leader to oversee and manage the appeals and enforcement function across a council.

This is a key leadership role within the Planning team, requiring a strong blend of technical expertise, team management, and a passion for delivering a high-caliber service.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage the Enforcement function, supported by 4 area teams based in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, and Shepton Mallet.
• Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring high standards of delivery and fairness in all decisions.
• Manage and oversee appeals within your area, track their progress, and prepare reports to aid ongoing service improvement.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders, elected members, and the community to aid in policy delivery and compliance.
• Contribute to service delivery plans and performance metrics, helping to drive forward a culture of excellence.

About YouI'm looking for a motivated and enthusiastic candidate with:

• Proven experience in Development Control, Planning Enforcement, or related fields.
  Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, policy, and processes.
  The ability to manage competing priorities and guide team members toward delivering high-caliber service.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to working alongside stakeholders.
• The confidence to make decisions and advise on complex or sensitive cases.
• Full UK driving licence

Qualifications Needed:
(HCC) Postgraduate Qualification in Urban Design, Historic Building Conservation, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Town Planning, or other similar discipline.
(REN) Full membership of a Relevant Professional Body/ Royal Town Planning Institute/Institute of Place Management (IPM) or demonstrate ability to achieve full membership status.

Apply via the link, alternatively, give me a ring for more details.