At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major planning projects and influence community development in a vibrant area.
- Company: New Forest District Council, committed to sustainable growth and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a values-led organisation focused on learning, empathy, and fairness.
- Why this job: Shape the future of communities while working with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and substantial Development Management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56546 - 56546 £ per year.
The New Forest is a truly special place – home to vibrant communities, thriving businesses, internationally important landscapes and unique environmental designations. As we continue to shape the future of our district, we are looking for an experienced and inspirational planning professional to join us as a Principal Development Management Officer.
Are you an experienced planning professional looking for your next challenge? We are seeking an exceptional Principal Development Management Officer to play a leading role in delivering some of the most significant and high-profile development proposals in the district. This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious planner to work on complex schemes that will shape places, support sustainable growth, and leave a lasting legacy.
As a key member of our Development Management team, you will take responsibility for a portfolio of major, strategic and sensitive planning applications, providing expert professional advice and helping to drive high-quality development outcomes. You will work closely with elected members, developers, stakeholders and communities, representing the Council at the highest level.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing a caseload of major and strategically important planning applications.
- Leading on complex pre-application discussions and development proposals.
- Exercising delegated authority on planning matters and routine enforcement cases.
- Preparing and presenting reports to Planning Committee.
- Representing the Council at inquiries, hearings, tribunals and public meetings.
- Providing professional guidance and support to colleagues.
- Contributing to the ongoing development, performance and success of the Development Management Service.
- Handling the financial and project management aspects of major developments, including Planning Performance Agreements and significant Section 106 contributions.
What We’re Looking For
- You’ll be an experienced planning professional with the confidence and expertise to manage challenging and often politically sensitive cases.
- Essential Requirements
- Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning.
- Eligibility for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
- Substantial Development Management experience, including experience at a senior level.
- Detailed knowledge of planning legislation, policy and Development Management practice.
- Excellent report-writing and presentation skills.
- Strong project management, ICT and analytical abilities.
- The ability to make sound professional judgements on complex planning issues.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Desirable
- Management qualification.
- Experience of mentoring or supporting other planning officers.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to work on projects that genuinely matter. You’ll be involved in major development proposals from inception to determination, helping to shape the future of our communities while working alongside a supportive and highly professional team. The Council is embarking on a process of transformation and this is an opportunity to bring your fresh perspective to our well-established and friendly team of professionals.
Whats in it for you?
- £53,179 – £56,546 per annum (Up to £58,748 for exceptional performance once in post) (Pay award pending)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service).
- Hybrid Working with flexibility across our sites, and home working.
- A Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories.
- Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision.
- Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees).
- Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants.
- A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness).
- Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth.
- A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including: Equality, Diversity.
Principal Development Management Officer – Fixed term till 31st March 2028 in Hampshire employer: Local Government South East
Reading Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the opportunity to lead impactful initiatives in Adult Social Care while enjoying hybrid working arrangements and generous benefits, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, this role provides a meaningful career path in a vibrant community setting.
Contact Details:
Local Government South East Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Development Management Officer – Fixed term till 31st March 2028 in Hampshire
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Local Government South East, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Principal Development Management Officer – Fixed term till 31st March 2028 at Local Government South East.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Development Management Officer – Fixed term till 31st March 2028 in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government South East
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!