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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning applications and drive innovation in development management.
- Company: Join a local authority in Essex with a focus on quality decision-making.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate of £55/hour and hybrid working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in town planning while building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in local planning authority and strong interpersonal skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and commitment to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Carrington West are assisting their local authority client based in Essex in the search for a Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) to join their Town Planning department on an initial 6 month contract (then rolling). We are looking for an experienced planner who is able to hit the ground running and be capable of working with minimum supervision, efficiently managing your workload and making a real contribution towards quality decision making.
Accountabilities
- Lead on major planning applications
- Champion design excellence and compliance with national and local policies
- Drive innovation in dealing with major planning applications
- Build strong relationships with developers, councillors, and stakeholders
The Experience You Will Bring
- Strong interpersonal skills for persuasion, influence, and relationship-building
- Ability to interpret complex data and provide strategic solutions
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing and presentations
- Self-motivated with strong initiative and workload management
- Proficiency in IT systems, including Idox Uniform and Microsoft 365
- Advanced knowledge of planning legislation and development management practices
- Ability to manage projects and contribute to strategic planning
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and customer-focused service
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility for site visits and evening meetings
Experience
- Significant experience working within a local planning authority or a relevant private sector planning business
- Proven track record of handling a varied caseload of planning applications
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and relationship management
- Experience in developing and managing projects or programmes of work
It would be beneficial to hold a Post-graduate degree in planning, regeneration or a related discipline, and have the eligibility for membership of RTPI. The council are looking for candidates who will be able to hit the ground running and are offering hybrid working arrangements with a weekly office presence required.
Carrington West Pay Rate - £55per/hour
Job Ref - 63354
Principal Planning Officer employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the planning sector, attend local events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your past projects and successes in planning. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and managed complex applications.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to local authorities or planning firms, express your interest, and ask about upcoming opportunities. We love candidates who take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can hit the ground running, just like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in development management and planning. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use professional language but keep it engaging – we love a bit of personality in applications!
Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills: This role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, so be sure to mention any relevant experiences. We’re looking for examples that demonstrate your ability to persuade and influence others effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and development management practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, especially in relation to major planning applications.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong interpersonal skills. Think about times when you successfully influenced stakeholders or built relationships with developers and councillors. This will demonstrate your ability to champion design excellence.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience managing projects and contributing to strategic planning. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've efficiently managed workloads and made quality decisions in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with IT Systems
Since proficiency in IT systems like Idox Uniform and Microsoft 365 is crucial, make sure you can discuss your experience with these tools. If possible, prepare to share how you've used them to enhance your planning processes.
