Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and provide expert advice on complex developments.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority in the West Midlands, shaping the future of urban development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rate of £50-55p/h with potential for contract extensions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community development while mentoring junior planners in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a Chartered Town Planner with significant experience in major applications and project management.
- Other info: Rolling 6-month contract with opportunities for professional growth and development.
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.
Principal Planning Officer employer: Sarto Thomas Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sarto Thomas Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience in local authority roles. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in planning.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning policies and development priorities of the West Midlands area. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the local context.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with major planning applications in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex cases and engaged with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any experience you have in mentoring or supervising junior staff. This is particularly important for the Principal Planning Officer role, where team leadership is a key responsibility.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing major planning applications and your knowledge of the UK planning system. Emphasise your chartered status and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experience to demonstrate how you meet these requirements.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, ensure your application materials are clear, concise, and free of errors. Consider including a brief example of a report or presentation you've prepared.
Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Experience: Discuss your experience in engaging with stakeholders, including developers and statutory bodies. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations or stakeholder interactions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sarto Thomas Ltd
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience with major planning applications and complex development proposals. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders, including developers and statutory bodies. This will show your ability to navigate complex relationships and ensure smooth progress on planning applications.
✨Be Ready for Policy Discussions
Brush up on relevant planning policies and local development plans. You may be asked to interpret these during the interview, so being knowledgeable will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Team Leadership Questions
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll likely lead a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've mentored junior officers or managed teams in previous roles.
