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- Tasks: Manage planning applications and mentor junior officers while shaping Swale's communities.
- Company: Join Swale Borough Council, a progressive local authority prioritising staff wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 34-hour week, flexible working, generous leave, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team with a collaborative culture and opportunities for professional growth.
- Qualifications: Chartered RTPI membership or working towards it, plus experience in complex planning applications.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and early finishes on Fridays make this role even more appealing.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 46338 £ per year.
Salary: £41,193 - £46,338 + £5,000 market supplement + £1,000 car allowance
Location: Swale Borough Council (Hybrid Working, two days per week in the office preferred)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (34 hours per week)
We are proud to be working exclusively with Swale Borough Council, a forward-thinking and ambitious local authority in Kent, to recruit experienced Planning Officers to join their newly established Planning Applications Team.
A Council that puts people first. At Swale, staff wellbeing is a genuine priority. With a 34-hour full-time working week and early office closure at 1:30pm every Friday, the Council is committed to helping employees achieve a healthy work-life balance. This is further supported by a generous annual leave entitlement, which increases with service, plus an additional three days’ leave over the Christmas period when the offices close completely. Their flexible hybrid working policy, with flexi-time between 7am and 7pm, is just one of the many ways they support their team.
It’s an exciting time to join Planning at Swale. With renewed momentum behind the Local Plan, a restructured Planning Applications team geared for success, and the formation of a new Place Service—bringing together planning, regeneration, economic development and property—there’s a real sense of purpose and opportunity. The new structure is designed to retain, develop and attract top talent, and offers a collaborative, supportive environment where you can thrive. Swale’s strategic location within Kent and the wider South East, combined with its rich heritage, ecological assets, and diverse geography, makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to work in planning.
As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of Swale’s diverse urban, rural, and coastal communities. You’ll:
- Manage a complex caseload of planning applications and pre-application enquiries.
- Provide expert development advice to householders, agents, developers, and landowners.
- Mentor and support junior officers, deputising for the Team Leader when required.
- Represent the Council at appeals, hearings, and public examinations.
- Prepare and present reports to Planning Committee.
What you’ll bring:
- Chartered membership of the RTPI (or working towards it).
- Strong knowledge of planning legislation, including EIA Regulations.
- Experience handling complex major applications and commercial developments.
- Excellent communication and mentoring skills.
- A collaborative approach to working with stakeholders, Members, and the wider community.
Swale Borough Council offers a generous and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth:
- 34-hour working week with early finish on Fridays
- Highly flexible hybrid working and flexi-time (7am–7pm)
- 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
- 3 additional days leave over Christmas
- £1,000 car allowance
- Free parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover
- Life assurance (3x salary for LGPS members)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual flu vaccination
- Employee Assistance Programme with counselling support
- Discounts on shopping, leisure, and holidays
- Professional fee payment (where applicable)
- Relocation support (if eligible)
- Regular wellbeing events including holistic therapies and outdoor activities
- Excellent learning and development opportunities
If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, including gaining access to our dedicated microsite, receiving the JD/PS or just having a confidential chat, please get in touch with Daniel Baker on 07545 546 986 or apply via this advert. Whilst the closing date for applications is legitimate, the council are open to speaking with suitable candidates as they apply before this date to ensure they don’t miss out.
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
Familiarise yourself with Swale Borough Council's recent initiatives and projects. Understanding their current Local Plan and the new Place Service will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with their goals during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Swale Borough Council, especially those in planning roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex planning applications and how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and collaborative approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring abilities by thinking of instances where you've supported junior colleagues or contributed to team development. This aligns well with the role's requirement to mentor and support others within the Planning Applications Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Planning Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with complex planning applications, mentoring junior staff, and any relevant qualifications such as your RTPI membership. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey information clearly. Consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders or presented reports.
Express Enthusiasm for the Council's Vision: Convey your excitement about joining Swale Borough Council and contributing to their ambitious plans. Mention how you align with their values and commitment to staff wellbeing and community engagement in your cover letter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Recruitment
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, especially the EIA Regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentoring Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be expected to mentor junior officers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported others in their professional development.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've communicated complex planning issues to various stakeholders, including householders and developers.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Think about potential planning applications or challenges you might face in Swale. Prepare to discuss how you would approach these scenarios, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
