Principal Planning Officer - MOR11957 in Elgin

To lead and supervise a Development Management Team within the Economy, Enterprise and Operations, including Statutory Responsibilities and Regulations.

Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the day to day leadership and supervision of a Team within the Development Management function within the context of structures and procedures developed for Growth, Planning, and Climate, Statutory Responsibilities and Regulations.
• To provide professional advice to the Service Manager, Planning and Building Standards and to the Council, staff and the public and carry out projects on Development Management related matters.
• To make decisions on Applications for Planning Permission and other Development Management matters in accordance with the Council’s approved delegation scheme.
• To draft recommendations on complex major Planning Applications, check other Applications being presented to Committee and present Applications to the Planning & Regulatory Services Committee.
• Represent the Council at Public Inquiries and Hearings in relation to Planning Appeals and S.36 Applications.
• Contributing to the effectiveness of the service.

The Individual

• Significant experience of Development Plans (3 years minimum post MRTPI)
• A degree in Town Planning accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute
• Full Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
• Negotiating skills
• Numeracy
• Understanding of Local Government/Planning issues
• Analytical abilities
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent level of accuracy in work
• Experience of dealing with major planning applications
• Ability to contribute effectively to meetings and present at Planning and Regulatory Services Committee
• Ability to interpret and apply Planning Legislation and Policies, and make assessments
• Excellent Report Writing skills
• Leadership or Supervision of Development Management or other Planning staff
• Ability to develop, review and monitor work systems and data management
• Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently
• IT skills
• Ability to absorb and process technical and financial information
• Knowledge and experience of various software packages, including Word, Excel and Access
• Ability to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Moray to meet the operational requirements of the Service, due to the rural nature of Moray this is normally undertaken by use of a car/van
• Teamwork, team Leadership
• Ability to relate well to Customers
• Ability to motivate staff
• Ability to work effectively in a team, contribute to a team and show initiative to work on your own with minimum supervision
• Ability to relate well to customers and other professionals
• Ability to relate well with all levels of staff
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written
• Willingness to work in a demanding position where a flexible and corporate approach is required
• Willingness to accept direction/delegation
• Ability to work in an open plan office
• Appreciation, acceptance and commitment to the importance of confidentiality
• Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service
• Ability to work in different offices dependent on service requirements
• Ability to make site visits, sometimes requiring access to restricted spaces and physical exertion

Closing Date: 3 July 2026

Starting Salary: £59,170.15

£31.39 per hour

36.25 hours per week

Interviews to be held on week commencing 6 July 2026

For further information contact: William Clark, Development Management & Building Standards Manager at William.Clark@moray.gov.uk