Principal Planning Officer (Development Management)

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead on complex casework and mentor junior officers. The role involves delivering high-quality planning decisions and managing a diverse caseload. Candidates should be qualified in planning with strong communication and report-writing skills. The position offers flexible working, a supportive team, and a commitment to employee wellbeing.

Benefits

Flexible working

Local Government Pension

Generous annual leave

Opportunities for career development

Support for health and wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience in managing appeals and committee presentations is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of planning legislation required.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality planning decisions.
• Manage a varied caseload including strategic and sensitive sites.
• Provide clear advice to applicants and stakeholders.
• Provide clear advice to applicants and stakeholders.

Skills

Qualified in planning

Strong IT skills

Detail oriented

Strong report-writing skills

Communication skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Membership or eligibility for RTPI

Tools

GIS tools

Job description

Overview

We are passionate about planning positively for Rutland’s sustainable development and are seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join our Development Management team at a pivotal time. With major applications on the horizon and a renewed focus on service excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to lead on complex casework, mentor junior officers, and help shape the future of our built environment.

About you

To be successful you will need to be:

• Qualified in planning and with membership or eligibility of membership for the RTPI
• Confident, motivated and committed
• Strong IT skills, including familiarity with planning systems and GIS tools
• Detail orientated with a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Have sound knowledge of planning legislation, strong report-writing and communication skills, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Experience in managing appeals, committee presentations, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable.

About the role

As a senior member of the team, you’ll play a key role to:

• Deliver high-quality planning decisions
• Drive continuous improvement, and support the professional development of colleagues
• Manage a varied caseload, including strategic sites, heritage assets, and sensitive rural development
• Provide clear, robust advice to applicants, stakeholders, and elected members

Join us in delivering a responsive, resilient planning service that supports Rutland’s communities and environment.

Principal Planning Officer interviews will be held week commencing 24 November 2025. Exact date to be confirmed. Please be advised this could be subject to change, in which case we will give appropriate notice.

We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis and inviting those who meet our essential person specification criteria to interview. If you’re interested in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply without delay.

Our offer

Our offer to you:

Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service.

We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff.

Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice. As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.

Find out more

Find out more about working with us by visiting the Rutland jobs site. If you have any queries about this role please contact Justin Johnson, Development Manager at [e-mail]

If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process, please call 01572 758291 or email [e-mail]

How to apply

Click on the apply button which will redirect you to the Jobs Go Public (JGP) site where we handle all our vacancies. If you already have a JGP account you will be asked to login, or alternatively if you don’t have an account, you will be guided through the set up process. Access to an account is necessary, as all updates regarding your application will be sent via the JGP site to the email you have used to register.

Please be aware that in the event of a high volume of applications, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date.

All recruitment correspondence, including interview details, will be sent out via email from the Jobs Go Public site. If you require documentation/correspondence in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.