Senior Planning Officer - Ref: EE10925

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Walsall; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Walsall is seeking a Senior Planning Officer to lead on significant planning applications as part of a major £1.5 billion regeneration programme. The role requires a qualified professional with experience in town planning, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to mentor team members. Flexible working hours and blended home/office arrangements are on offer, making this a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the community’s development.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Blended working from office/home

Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave and flexi leave entitlement

Qualifications

• Proven experience handling minor/complex applications and delivering pre-application advice.
• Ability to mentor and support team members.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead on significant and complex minor planning applications.
• Determine applications under delegated powers and prepare Committee reports.
• Provide high-quality professional advice to developers and stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Report-writing skills

Mentoring skills

Education

Post Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree in Town Planning

Job description

Senior Planning Officer - Ref: EE10925

Location: Civic Centre, Walsall

Salary: (G9) £42,839 - £46,142

Service Area: Development Management

Special Conditions: Evening/out-of-hours meetings

This is an exciting time to join a multi award-winning council and a high-performing planning team, as Walsall undergoes a £1.5 billion regeneration programme that will transform the borough into a thriving destination. As a Senior Planning Officer, you will play a key role in supporting these regeneration programmes and other significant developments, shaping proposals through effective pre-application advice and managing major planning applications through to determination.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on significant and complex minor planning applications, including enforcement matters and protected trees.
• Determine applications under delegated powers and prepare Committee reports.
• Present reports at Planning Committee and attend public meetings as required.
• Provide high-quality professional advice to developers, agents, Councillors and stakeholders to support regeneration and minor projects.
• Support Development Management Officers, contributing to team development and performance.
• Represent the Council at appeals, Public Inquiries and enforcement proceedings.
• Contribute to policy development, service improvements and maintenance of accurate planning and enforcement records.

About You

• A recognised Post Graduate Diploma or Masters Degree in Town Planning and Member of the RTPI or working towards accreditation.
• Proven experience handling minor/complex applications and delivering pre-application advice.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.
• Ability to mentor and support team members.
• Full driving licence (Car mileage allowance applies).

Why Join Us?

You’ll influence the delivery of transformational development across Walsall and help shape a forward thinking, customer focused planning service.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Blended working from office/home
• Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave and flexi leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

For further information please call Stephanie Hollands - Team Leader Development Management 01922 650696.

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

Information for Applicants

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. See our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.