Principal Planning Officer (Policy) – Permanent

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

Job summary

A local council is seeking a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to lead on strategic projects and manage planning policies. This role involves mentoring junior staff, engaging with the community, and producing expert planning advice. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of planning policy and a proven track record in managing complex projects. Apply by submitting your CV and cover letter.

Benefits

26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free healthcare cash plan

Flexitime

Generous employee benefit package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic planning and policy development.
• Ability to manage complex projects and mentor staff.
• Strong communication skills.
• Expertise in local and regional planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead on strategic planning projects and infrastructure proposals.
• Manage planning policy areas like housing and renewable energy.
• Engage with community stakeholders.
• Provide expert planning advice and serve as the expert witness.

Skills

Understanding of planning policy

Project management

Mentoring junior staff

Community engagement

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 Council's expert witness at local plan examination, liaise with developers, and contribute directly to shaping local and regional growth.

Benefits

We offer a generous employee benefit package including 26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays, free healthcare cash plan, flexitime and so much more.

Equality and Diversity

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.

How to Apply

To apply please 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 to help you get started.

About The Council

For more information about the council, please visit our website.

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