At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning projects and shape the future of Moray's development.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to community growth and regeneration.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across beautiful Moray and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career in planning.
- Qualifications: Experience in development plans and a degree in Town Planning or related field.
The predicted salary is between 27.84 - 27.84 £ per hour.
To lead on key strategic and local planning projects and processes associated with the Moray Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and Moray Local Development Plan (LDP). The postholder will play a key role in the preparation of the Moray RSS and LDP and in the delivery of projects associated with town centre and wider regeneration and respective funding bids.
Responsibilities
- To lead and support the preparation, review and implementation of the Local Development Plan (LDP) and Delivery Plan by co-ordinating input from Council services and external stakeholders and by collating, analysing and interpreting key information to support plan development and implementation.
- To support the Service Manager Strategic Planning and Development and Principal Planning Officer Strategic Planning and Development in preparing the Regional Spatial Strategy for Moray.
- To contribute to the overall LDP process, including analysing sites, preparing settlement statements, local policy solutions, preparing and implementing the Delivery Plan and public engagement.
- To lead on the preparation of other strategies, masterplans and supporting studies and reports as required.
- To source and prepare funding bids as appropriate to support the delivery of the LDP and other related strategies.
- To prepare and manage complex planning policy projects and ensure delivery within agreed timescales and budgets.
- Contribute to the effectiveness of the service.
The Individual
- Significant experience of Development Plans.
- Knowledge of new planning processes and policies from Planning (Scotland) Act 2019.
- Experience of leading teams of officers to deliver planning projects.
- A degree in Town Planning or related subject.
- Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Numeracy.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Powerpoint.
- Understanding of Local Government/Planning issues.
- Effective organisational and time management skills.
- Analytical abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply Planning Legislation and Policies, and use judgement.
- Report writing.
- You will be expected 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.
- Proven ability to plan and manage own workload.
- Effective negotiation skills.
- Teamwork, Team Leadership.
- Ability to relate well to Customers.
- Flexibility.
- Ability to form productive working relationships.
- Self-motivated and ability to motivate staff.
- Self-confidence.
- 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 an open plan office.
- Ability to work in different offices dependent on service requirements.
Closing Date: 11 September 2026
Starting Salary: £52,478.40 £27.84 per hour 36.25 hours per week
Interviews to be held on: week commencing 14 September 2026
For further information contact: Eily Webster, Strategic Planning and Development Manager at Eily.Webster@moray.gov.uk
Senior Planning Officer - MOR12089 in Elgin employer: Moray Council
Moray Council Catering Services is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment where every team member plays a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of pupils across the region. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on work-life balance, our diverse workforce thrives in delivering high-quality meals in a collaborative atmosphere. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of working within the largest catering operation in Moray.
