Principal Planning Officer

ZipRecruiter; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Planning Officer to lead major planning applications and provide expert advice on complex developments. This role involves engaging with stakeholders, negotiating planning conditions, and supervising junior officers. You will contribute to local planning policies and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will shape sustainable development outcomes and make a significant impact on the community. If you have a passion for planning and a commitment to excellence, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years PQE in planning, ideally with local authority experience.
• Chartered membership of RTPI or equivalent is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment and processing of major planning applications.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure smooth progress of applications.

Skills

Chartered Town Planner

Negotiation Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Tools

Planning Software Systems

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal Planning Officer

Location: West Midlands based LPA - will confirm council upon application

Contract duration: Rolling 6 months - scope for extensions

Start date: 2/3 weeks time

Rate: £50-55p/h Umbrella

Requirements: Minimum of 4 years PQE - ideally local authority based submitting major applications

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Major Applications: Lead the assessment and processing of major planning applications, ensuring timely decision-making in accordance with legal and policy requirements.
• Casework and Development Management: Provide professional advice on complex planning applications, including large-scale residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
• Policy Implementation and Advice: Offer expert guidance on the interpretation and implementation of planning policies, local development plans, and other relevant planning documents.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including developers, consultees, statutory bodies, and the public, to ensure the smooth progress of planning applications.
• Negotiation and Planning Conditions: Lead negotiations on planning applications to secure improvements to proposals and ensure compliance with planning conditions and obligations, including Section 106 agreements.
• Team Leadership and Development: Supervise and mentor junior planning officers, providing guidance and support in their professional development.
• Planning Committee Reports: Prepare reports for planning committee meetings, making recommendations on major applications and representing the council at committee as required.
• Policy Review and Development: Contribute to the development and review of local planning policies, providing expert advice to inform the council’s strategic planning objectives.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure that all planning decisions comply with relevant legislation, planning law, and council procedures.
• Project Management: Lead on specific planning projects or initiatives as directed by senior management, ensuring that targets and deadlines are met.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Chartered Town Planner with membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or equivalent.
• Significant experience in planning, particularly in handling major planning applications and complex development proposals.
• Extensive knowledge of the UK planning system, development management processes, and relevant legislation.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively with developers, consultees, and stakeholders to secure high-quality development outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports and present evidence at planning committees.
• Demonstrable experience of managing projects and leading teams within a planning environment.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple complex cases simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound, balanced decisions based on planning principles and legal frameworks.
• A customer-focused approach to service delivery and a commitment to achieving sustainable development outcomes.

Desirable:

• Experience in working within a local authority planning department.
• Knowledge of the local area and its development priorities.
• Experience in using planning software systems and geographical information systems (GIS).

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV through this job advert on LinkedIn or for a confidential chat about your next move or the interim market in general feel free to drop me a message, call me on 01489 533093 or email on [e-mail].