Principal Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent

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

Job summary

A local council is seeking a Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to shape key developments in the East Midlands. This full-time role involves leading strategic planning projects, managing policy areas, and mentoring staff. The successful candidate will have expertise in planning policy, community engagement experience, and a proactive approach to handling complex projects. A generous benefits package is included, along with the opportunity for career development.

Benefits

26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free healthcare cash plan

Flexitime

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of planning policy and legislation.
• Experience managing strategic projects and site proposals.
• Ability to liaise with developers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex strategic projects for planning.
• Manage planning policy areas relevant to housing and infrastructure.
• Act as expert witness at local plan examinations.

Skills

Proactive approach

Expert planning advice

Community engagement

Mentoring junior staff

Job description

Principal Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent

Salary: Salary Grade 9 i.e. £42,839 - £47,181 per annum (pay award pending)

Full Time, 37 hours per week

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) 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 will be responsible for progressing key planning policy areas like housing, infrastructure or renewable energy, managing a range of strategic site proposals while mentoring junior staff, managing external consultants, and providing expert planning advice at all levels. You will also play a central role in community outreach and engagement around key developments including transformative projects like the Trent Valley Supercluster.

This senior role requires a sound understanding of planning policy and the wider legislative and political landscape of planning. You will act as the Councils expert witness at local plan examination, liaise with developers, and contribute directly to shaping local and regional growth.

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 have created to help you get started.

About The Council

Closing date:28 September 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:between 6 and 8 October 2025