At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and support the planning team in Walsall.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team focused on development management.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with travel across the borough for site visits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urban development while enhancing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in Development Management and a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Location: Walsall
Pay: £35.94 per hour PAYE
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Temporary – 24 August to 24 November 2026
Hybrid: 2 days per week in Walsall, including Tuesdays
IR35: Inside IR35
Start: ASAP / limited notice preferred
Interview: Microsoft Teams
We are recruiting for an experienced Principal Planning Officer (Development Management) to join an established planning team in Walsall on an initial three-month contract. The successful candidate will primarily take responsibility for complex minor and major planning applications, pre-applications and associated appeals. Candidates with additional team leader, deputy team leader, service improvement or project management experience are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Role
This is a senior Development Management position with responsibility for complex planning work alongside supporting the wider team. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing a caseload of major and complex planning applications
- Assessing applications and making recommendations
- Providing pre-application advice on significant developments
- Undertaking site visits and negotiating with developers and agents
- Determining applications under delegated powers
- Preparing and authorising reports for Planning Committee
- Presenting applications and reports at Planning Committee
- Dealing with planning appeals and preparing statements of evidence
- Representing the authority at public inquiries and other proceedings
- Advising and negotiating with developers, agents, Councillors and other stakeholders
- Supporting planning enforcement and protected-tree matters
- Assisting with the supervision and development of other Development Management officers
- Supporting service improvement, policies and procedures
- Maintaining high performance standards across the service
The Council's full specification confirms that the Principal Officer will deal with significant and complex major applications, sign off delegated decisions, present reports to Planning Committee and provide day-to-day support to other members of the Development Management team.
About You
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Significant Development Management experience
- Strong experience managing major and complex planning applications
- Excellent knowledge of planning legislation and planning enforcement
- Experience preparing and presenting Planning Committee reports
- Confidence negotiating with developers, agents and other senior stakeholders
- Experience dealing with planning appeals
- Ability to interpret complex technical documents and drawings
- Ability to support, mentor and develop other Planning Officers
- Excellent report writing, communication and organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a demanding caseload
The person specification requires a recognised Postgraduate Diploma or Master's Degree in Town Planning and RTPI membership, or working towards accreditation.
Working Arrangements
Candidates must attend the Walsall office two days per week, including Tuesday, which is the Planning Department's all-team day, and must have access to their own vehicle. The role involves regular travel across the borough for site visits and may occasionally require attendance and presentation of reports at evening or out-of-hours meetings.
£35.94 PAYE | 37 hours | Inside IR35 | 3-month contract
If you're an experienced Principal Planning Officer, Senior Planning Officer or Development Management Planner who can start at short notice, please apply with your latest CV.
Principal Planning Officer – Development Management in Walsall employer: Lynx Employment Services Ltd
Lynx Employment Services Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. With a hybrid working model in Northampton, employees benefit from flexibility while engaging in meaningful projects that impact the public sector. The company prioritises employee development, providing opportunities for continuous learning and advancement within a dynamic legal environment.
Contact Details:
Lynx Employment Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer – Development Management in Walsall
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Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
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If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer – Development Management in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lynx Employment Services Ltd
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Lynx Employment Services Ltd.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Lynx Employment Services Ltd that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
