Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

The Planner Jobs Redactive Publishing Limited; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional planning authority is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead on complex strategic projects in the East Midlands. You will progress major planning applications, mentor junior staff, and provide expert planning advice. The ideal candidate should have a degree in Town Planning and significant experience managing planning applications, alongside strong project management skills. This senior role includes a generous benefits package and a commitment to diversity in hiring.

Benefits

26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free healthcare cash plan

Flexitime

Qualifications

• Significant experience within a local authority or consultancy.
• Proven experience in managing complex planning applications.
• Ability to lead training and development of officers.

Responsibilities

• Progress and assess a range of major planning applications.
• Mentor junior staff and manage external consultants.
• Contribute to shaping local and regional growth.

Skills

Project management

Expert witness

Strong communication

Education

Degree or master's in Town Planning

Job description

Job title – Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

Salary Grade 9 i.e. £42,839.00 to £47,181.00 per annum

We’re looking for a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our high-performing Planning Team and play a key role in shaping some of the most ambitious developments in the region. This is your opportunity to lead on complex strategic projects, nationally significant infrastructure proposals, and high-impact regeneration schemes.

You’ll be responsible for progressing and assessing a range of major planning applications while mentoring junior staff, managing external consultants, and providing expert planning advice at all levels. You’ll also play a central role in community outreach and engagement around key developments—including transformative projects like new settlements and the Trent Valley Supercluster.

This senior role requires a sound understanding of development management and the wider legislative and political landscape of planning. You’ll regularly act as the Council’s expert witness at public inquiries, liaise with developers, and contribute directly to shaping local and regional growth.

What you'll bring:

• A degree or master’s in Town Planning and Chartered membership of the RTPI
• Significant experience within a local authority or consultancy, including managing complex planning applications with political or policy sensitivities
• Proven experience in managing external consultants and budgets
• Deep knowledge of the planning process, relevant legislation, and the interdependencies within Development Management
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with developers, communities, and elected members
• Ability to lead training and development of officers, and a commitment to ongoing CPD
• Confidently present evidence as an expert witness
• Possess strong project management skills, and be able to attend meetings outside normal office hours
• Have access to a car and a valid driving licence

We offer a generous employee benefit package including 26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays, free healthcare cash plan, flexitime and so much more.You can read about all our employee benefitshere.

We value the diversity of our people and actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We maintain fair and well thought out recruitment processes at every stage to make sure that everyone is treated equally.

To apply please click on the 'apply button'to upload your CV and covering letter, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, skills and achievements.

Please note that the application process will require you to upload your CV. If you don't have one to upload, you can download a CV template we've created to help you get started.

Candidate Information Pack

Closing date:18September 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your CV as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role.

Interview date: to be confirmed