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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse planning applications and provide expert advice on developments.
- Company: Dynamic Oxfordshire council focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid work model, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in urban and rural development during a critical transition period.
- Qualifications: Experience in Development Management and strong knowledge of planning legislation.
- Other info: Flexible remote work with occasional office visits for collaboration.
Principal Planning Officer – Interim Opportunity
Location: Norfolk (Hybrid working available)
Contract: 6 months (initial term, with potential extension)
Start Date: W/C 9th February 2026
Rate: £48 – £62 per hour (depending on experience)
About the Role
A local authority in Norfolk is seeking an experienced Principal Planning Officer to join their Planning and Growth team on an interim basis. This is an exciting opportunity to lead on complex and major development schemes, present at committee meetings, and manage other members of the planning team. The authority is preparing a new Local Plan and has significant development opportunities ahead.
About You
You will be a qualified and chartered town planner (RTPI) with comprehensive knowledge of the planning system and significant post-qualification experience. You will have excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to operate in a political environment on complex matters. Experience collaborating with elected members, partners, and stakeholders is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on complex and major planning applications.
- Present cases at planning committee meetings.
- Provide professional advice to applicants, agents, and stakeholders.
- Manage and mentor other members of the planning team.
- Ensure compliance with planning legislation and local policies.
Requirements
- Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
- Significant experience in development management within a local authority or similar setting.
- Ability to manage complex cases independently and meet statutory deadlines.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working: typically 1–2 days per week in the office, remainder remote.
Interested?
Please apply via this advert or contact Ollie Jarvis directly on .
If you know someone suitable, feel free to share this opportunity!
Principal Planning Officer employer: Hays Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruitment 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 and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your online presence sorted! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your experience in Development Management. Engage with relevant content and connect with professionals in your field to boost your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Green Belt Policy and current planning legislation. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the council's needs, especially in managing complex applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Principal Planning Officer role.
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. We want to see how your skills align with the role, especially your knowledge of Green Belt Policy and handling complex applications.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about specific projects you’ve worked on. We love seeing real examples of how you've managed planning applications and collaborated with teams to achieve great outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. Highlight your key achievements without waffling!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Policies
Brush up on your knowledge of current planning legislation, especially Green Belt Policy. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied this in past roles, as it’s crucial for the Principal Planning Officer position.
✨Showcase Your Caseload Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a varied caseload of planning applications. Highlight any complex minors or small to mid-scale majors you've handled, and be specific about the outcomes.
✨Collaboration is Key
Think of instances where you collaborated with internal teams or external stakeholders. Be prepared to share how these collaborations led to high-quality outcomes, as teamwork will be essential in this role.
✨Flexibility and Independence
Since the role requires working independently with minimal supervision, come prepared to discuss how you manage your time and tasks effectively. Mention any experiences that demonstrate your ability to work remotely while still delivering results.
