Senior Planning Officer: Shape Island Policy & Projects

We are looking for two Senior Planning Officers to join our dedicated team on the Isle of Man. This is an exciting time to be working in planning on the Isle of Man. The caseload ranges from householder applications to major infrastructure and regeneration projects, including strategically significant proposals. You’ll help shape places and communities - and you’ll often see the impact of your work quickly.

What really sets this role apart is that, as planners in government, your work goes beyond day‑to‑day casework. You will have a genuine opportunity to influence and help shape Island‑wide planning policy, including changes to Permitted Development and planning legislation - work that many development management planners in the UK don’t get the chance to do. It means your on‑the‑ground experience can directly inform how the planning system evolves.

Planning on the Isle of Man offers a breadth of experience that’s hard to match. You’ll work across varied application types, engage directly with colleagues, politicians, decision‑makers and communities, and build a genuinely rounded skillset. Professional judgement is valued, collaboration comes naturally, and good planning really matters.

Join a supportive, friendly and down‑to‑earth team. We aim to do things well, be fair and proportionate, and look after each other - alongside the wider Directorate’ values of integrity, openness and public service. Add to that the quality of life the Island offers, and it’s a great place to build both a career and a life.

A workplace that invests in you:

• A competitive salary that increases each 12 months until you reach the salary maximum.
• A generous annual leave entitlement, a Privilege Day and 10 Bank Holidays; your annual leave will increase after your first year and again after your third year.
• A flexi-time scheme where you can accrue additional time worked to take time off in line with the relevant flexi-time scheme.
• Enjoy occasional remote working opportunities, with prior agreement from your manager.
• Subject to meeting eligibility criteria, the IOM Public Service offers two pension arrangements: the Isle of Man Government Unified Scheme 2011 or the Isle of Man Government Defined Contribution (DC) Arrangement.
• Access to the Learning, Education and Development training facility, which is exclusively for Public Service employees, to keep on top of your continuous professional development.
• Discounted access to the NSC gym and island swimming pools as well as 1-to-1 support programmes and exercise classes with qualified instructors.
• Free access to the Isle of Man Government Staff Welfare Service which offers professional counselling, emotional support and signposting on a wide range of issues.
• Ability to apply for an unpaid career break after 3 years’ service.
• Access to the Isle of Man Public Service Cycle to Work scheme after your first year of employment.
• Access to the Government staff canteen where you can purchase affordable meals, drinks and snacks.
• A relocation package of up to £5,000 (based on receipts) is available for this role.

A hidden gem in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts an extensive coastline, stunning natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches. There are an abundance of opportunities and lots of places to discover! You can visit our great cafes, bars and restaurants, and become part of the Island’s close-knit community. The island is well connected to the UK with quick, direct flights and ferries to many destinations.

We are the largest employer on the island delivering a diverse range of services to the people of the Isle of Man. We care, nurture and value our employees’ wellbeing, development and career and place great importance on rewarding the commitment by our wonderful employees.

We support and promote flexible working, recognising the importance of working flexibly around your life and commitments and the benefits in improving work-life balance. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements where possible and if interested you should discuss this with the Recruiting Manager.

The Isle of Man Public Service is committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates equality, diversity and inclusion. We understand how a wide range of views and experiences can benefit us as we work together for the Isle of Man.

Your candidate experience is important to us. As a proud member of The Circle Back Initiative, we commit to respond to every applicant that applies for an Isle of Man Public Service role.

We are committed to net zero by 2050 and as an entire nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, we are transforming public services for a sustainable future and your contributions will directly benefit our community, economy, and environment.

Ready to apply? We understand that you might have some questions about the role and the Recruiting Manager is on hand to support you.