Principal Planning Policy Officer

Lambeth Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead in the formulation and review of planning policies. This role involves line management responsibilities, collaborating with various departments to achieve council goals, and utilizing strong data analysis skills. The position offers a hybrid working model, with office attendance required a minimum of two days a week. This is a 12-month secondment opportunity that aims to enhance the planning policy framework within the vibrant Lambeth community.

Benefits

Hybrid working model

Professional development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Experience in reviewing and formulating planning policy documents.
• Strong skills in data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review of planning policy documents.
• Manage and oversee workstreams related to monitoring and data management.
• Collaborate with colleagues to achieve council objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Policy formulation

Collaboration

Education

Relevant educational background in planning or related field

Job description

Principal Planning Officer: REF: 2641

PO5: £54,360 - £57,495 pa inc LW plus 8.5% market supplement per month

12-month Secondment Opportunity/Fixed Term Contract and Full Time

Hybrid Working

About Us:

Located in the heart of South London, Lambeth Borough is a vibrant community of over 317,600 residents. Stretching from the dynamic neighbourhood of Streatham in the South to the iconic landmarks of Waterloo in the North, we are proud to be the 9th largest borough in London. Our diversity is our strength, with more than 130 languages spoken, making Lambeth the home of the Windrush generation, London's largest LGBTQ+ community, and a thriving Portuguese-speaking community.

It is an exciting time to join Lambeth Council, we have bold ambitions for the future of Lambeth’s communities and residents through our Lambeth 2030 Plan Our Future, Our Lambeth.

With exceptional schools, lush green spaces including Brockwell Park, cultural gems like the Black Cultural Archives, and world-renowned institutions such as St Thomas's Hospital, Lambeth offers an enriching and dynamic environment.

Please have a look at our dedicated One Lambeth Values and Behaviours page.

About the Team:

The Planning Policy team sits within the Planning & Sustainability division, and, through the development of positive, innovative planning policy and guidance, plays an instrumental role in delivering the priorities and ambitions of the Borough Plan. It is an exciting time to join the team as we embark on the preparation of a new Local Plan - you will support this work by taking a lead on the formulation of the council’s planning policies as well as managing and overseeing workstreams relating to monitoring, data, mapping and research.

About the Role:

You will be someone who can lead on the review of planning policy documents and knows the value of good quality data. You will be outward looking with a positive attitude and work well with colleagues to deliver council objectives.

The position includes line management responsibility. The ability to motivate and support the Planning Monitoring Officer with related monitoring tasks is a key part of this role.

We operate on a hybrid work model, providing employees greater flexibility and opportunity to work from home. Office working would be a minimum of 2 days per week at our modern offices in the heart of the Brixton Town Centre, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Underground and Overground train stations.

How to Apply:

To be considered for interview, your CV and supporting statement will clearly evidence how you meet the shortlisting criteria on the personal specification marked “A” for application:

Job Description and Person Specification

We operate an anonymised application process, so be sure to remove personal details when uploading your CV or personal statement.

Recruitment Timelines:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 08 February 2026

Shortlisting: week commencing 09 February 2026

Interviews: week commencing 23 February 2026

We reserve the right to close the application window early should a high volume of applications be received.

Please click here to view: Lambeth Staff Benefits

You will be required to undertake a Cifas check. Further information about Cifas can be found here Cifas.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Bourke – [e-mail]

At Lambeth, we are dedicated to providing quality services and equal opportunities for all. We are committed to safer recruitment and are proud to be a Stonewall diversity champion, a Living Wage Employer, and to guarantee interviews for all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the role. For a full list of our accreditations, please click here.