At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting planning projects and manage a team to shape local development.
- Company: Dynamic councils focused on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Five years of planning experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45091 - 49282 £ per year.
37 hours per week, Permanent contract £45,091 - £49,282 per annum (pay award pending). This is an exciting opportunity to work in a rich planning environment across two varied authorities, and build on the success of an existing jointly prepared plan which covers the three administrative areas. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review was adopted at the end of March 2026, and preparation is underway to work on the new Local Plan.
Working across the District Councils of Wychavon and Malvern, your work will include:
- Leading on projects such as five year housing land supply;
- Line management of a number of policy officers;
- Overseeing the preparation of Development Briefs;
- Leading on main areas of evidence such as SHELAA and call for sites for the next Local Plan under the new 30-month system.
We are seeking a candidate that will demonstrate commitment to delivering the Council's values of great customer service, openness and accountability, innovation and improvement and fairness and respect. You will be responsible for championing and demonstrating the Council's Leadership Behaviour Framework by inspiring, communicating, collaborating and empowering yourself and others and leading by example.
The successful candidate will have:
- Substantial post-qualification planning experience of at least five years in a planning environment;
- Experience of project leadership; budgets; managing own workload and workload of others;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
- The ability to negotiate successful outcomes;
- Accuracy and attention to detail alongside excellent research and analytical skills.
Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
- Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions;
- Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave;
- Committed training programme and development opportunities;
- Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount;
- Discounted Gym and swim membership;
- Health and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services;
- Cycle to Work scheme;
- Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.
We are an employer that values face to face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role.
Please note: Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK. To discuss the post or for further information, please call Isabel Roberts on 01386 565350.
Closing date: Sunday 31 May 2026
Interview date: Monday 8 June 2026
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Principal Planning Officer in Pershore employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
As a Principal Planning Officer with Malvern Hills District Council, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, the council offers excellent benefits including a generous pension scheme, training opportunities, and health support, all while fostering a culture of openness and respect. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on local planning but also provides a chance to grow within a community-focused organisation dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Pershore
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the councils or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the councils' recent projects and policies. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their work and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Pershore
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planning Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your substantial post-qualification planning experience. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how you've managed workloads, as this will really make you stand out.
Communicate Clearly:Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward so we can easily see your skills and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning policies and frameworks relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the South Worcestershire Development Plan and any recent changes in local planning regulations. This will show your commitment and understanding of the planning environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your project leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully managed a team or led a project, especially in a planning context. Be ready to discuss how you inspired and empowered your colleagues to achieve common goals.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex planning issues to various stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Abilities
Be prepared to talk about your research and analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform planning decisions or negotiate successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to make evidence-based recommendations.
