Principal Planning Officer

hays-gcj-v4-pd-online; Sittingbourne; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Swale Borough Council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to shape the future of its communities. This role involves managing planning applications, advising on development, and mentoring junior staff. The position offers a full-time, permanent contract with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including hybrid working options.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible hybrid working

Life assurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Professional fee payment

Qualifications

• Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments is essential.

Responsibilities

• Managing a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
• Providing expert development advice and mentoring junior officers.
• Representing the Council at appeals and hearings.
• Preparing reports for Planning Committee.

Skills

Strong knowledge of planning legislation

Excellent communication skills

Mentoring skills

Collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement

Education

Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards it)

Job description

Principal Planning Officer x 3 vacancies

Salary: £41,193 - £46,338 + £5,000 market supplement + £1,000 car allowance

Location: Swale Borough Council (Hybrid Working, two days per week in the office preferred)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent (34 hours per week)

About the role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Swale’s diverse urban, rural, and coastal communities. Your responsibilities will include managing a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries, providing expert development advice, mentoring junior officers, representing the Council at appeals and hearings, and preparing reports for Planning Committee.

What you'll bring

• Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards it)
• Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including EIA Regulations
• Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments
• Excellent communication and mentoring skills
• A collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement

Why join Swale?

Swale Borough Council offers a generous benefits package, including a 34-hour workweek with early finish on Fridays, flexible hybrid working, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional Christmas leave, a £1,000 car allowance, free parking, pension scheme, life assurance, cycle-to-work scheme, season ticket loan, lease car salary sacrifice, annual flu vaccination, employee assistance program, discounts, professional fee payment, relocation support, wellbeing events, and learning opportunities.

Next steps

If you're interested, contact Daniel Baker at 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert. The council encourages early applications as they are open to speaking with candidates before the closing date.