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- Tasks: Lead major planning projects and shape sustainable growth in local communities.
- Company: Forward-thinking London Local Authority with a focus on regeneration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban development and community enhancement.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK local authority planning and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor junior planners for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
A forward thinking London Local Authority is seeking a Principal Town Planner (Major Projects) to lead on some of the borough's most significant and complex development proposals. This is a senior, influential role within the Planning Service, offering the opportunity to shape place making outcomes, support regeneration and deliver sustainable growth for local communities.
You will act as a subject matter expert on major applications, providing high quality professional advice to elected Members, senior officers, developers and external stakeholders.
Your new role:
- Leading on the assessment and determination of major and strategic planning applications, including large scale residential, commercial, mixed-use and regeneration schemes.
- Providing clear, robust and defensible planning advice in line with the Development Plan, London Plan and national policy.
- Managing pre-application discussions and negotiations with developers, consultants and statutory consultees.
- Preparing and presenting reports to Planning Committee and attending committee meetings to advise Members.
- Representing the authority at hearings, appeals, public inquiries and examinations as required.
- Contributing to service improvement, policy implementation and mentoring of junior planning officers.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Significant experience working within a UK local authority planning service or a strong understanding of public sector planning processes.
- Proven track record of handling major or complex planning applications.
- Excellent knowledge of planning legislation, development management and decision making frameworks.
- Strong communication skills, with the confidence to advise Members, senior leadership and the public.
What you'll get in return:
A competitive £60 to £65k salary plus package. They offer flexible working arrangements and ideally two days in office.
What you need to do now:
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Principal Planning Officer (Permanent) in Slough employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer (Permanent) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning sector. Attend local authority meetings, planning events, or even webinars. The more you engage, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities before they hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or at networking events, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about major applications and planning legislation. This will position you as a go-to person in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the specifics of the role. Brush up on the Development Plan and London Plan, and be ready to discuss how you would handle complex planning applications. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Principal Planning Officer role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer (Permanent) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in handling major planning applications. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Principal Planning Officer role. We love seeing passion and personality, so let us know what excites you about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects that. Whether it’s through clear language or structured formatting, we want to see how you can convey complex ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation, especially the Development Plan and London Plan. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience with major and complex planning applications. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you successfully navigated challenges, managed negotiations, or provided robust advice to stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves advising Members and engaging with the public, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your ability to present complex information in an accessible way.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentoring
Highlight any experience you have in mentoring junior officers or leading projects. This is a senior role, so showcasing your leadership skills and your ability to contribute to service improvement will set you apart from other candidates.