At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage planning applications and oversee large-scale development projects for Nottingham.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, a fair and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, generous pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape Nottingham's future while promoting sustainability and community needs.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning and extensive planning experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 44075 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Worker Type: Hybrid Worker
Salary: Starting Salary £40,777 (Level one) rising to £44,075 per annum (pro‐rated for part‐time) plus £5,000 p/a market supplement until August 2027
Location: Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3NG
We have an exciting opportunity for talented individuals to join our workforce. Working for Nottingham City Council offers competitive pay, generous leave entitlement, a pension scheme and an inclusive culture.
About The Role
To actively and effectively promote the Council's vision, values, aims, objectives and priorities, putting our citizens first through the delivery of best value services. The Principal Planning Officer will manage a varied and complex caseload of planning applications, contribute to the delivery of Nottingham's strategic planning objectives, oversee large‐scale development projects and shape strategic policies aligned with growth ambitions, sustainability goals and local community needs.
About You
- Degree in Town Planning or related field, accredited by the RTPI and postgraduate qualification in urban planning, environmental planning or related discipline.
- Extensive experience in planning, leading on a range of major applications.
- Thorough knowledge of current development management practice, legislative background, policy and procedural context.
- Knowledge of urban design and sustainability principles and extensive experience applying placemaking principles in dense urban context.
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 33 days after 5 years' service) + bank holidays, option to buy additional leave annually.
- Generous defined benefit pension scheme offering 17.9%.
- Smart Working to support work‐life balance.
- Health and wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres, cinema, shopping and more.
Contact
For enquiries, contact Rob Percival, Planning Manager, telephone (0115) 8764065 or email rob.percival@nottinghamcity.gov.uk.
Application Closing Date: Sunday, 4th January 2026 at Midnight. Interviews will be held week commencing 12th January 2026.
By applying you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
EEO Statement
Nottingham City Council is committed to recruiting a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are a fair and inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and with different abilities. We particularly seek applicants from Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ community, and disabled groups.
Principal Officer Planning employer: Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a strong commitment to professional development, this role as Principal Officer Planning provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful urban development in Nottingham while enjoying a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Officer Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the planning sector, especially those connected to Nottingham City Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Brush up on Nottingham's strategic planning objectives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Nottingham City Council. Let’s get you that Principal Officer Planning role!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Officer Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Officer Planning. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; tell us about your extensive experience in planning and how you’ve successfully managed complex cases. We want to see your journey and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining Nottingham City Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of current development management practices and the legislative background relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with Nottingham's strategic planning objectives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage complex planning applications and lead large-scale development projects. Highlight your understanding of urban design and sustainability principles, as these will be key in the interview.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Nottingham City Council’s vision and values. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding putting citizens first and delivering best value services. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their approach to community engagement in planning or how they measure success in their projects. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
