Planning Compliance Officer (Level 2) in Manchester

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Additional Payments: Essential Car User Allowance

Closing Date: 28 February 2026

Interview Method: In Person (Face to Face)

Right to Work: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in applications: Use of AI can be a useful tool to support your application. All examples and statements must be truthful, factual, and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism is identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Role prerequisites: This role is subject to – Qualification: Town Planning or Related Qualification. Essential Car Documentation: This post is a designated Essential Car User. You must hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance. Driving Licence: The successful candidate should hold a full clean driving licence as you will be required to drive a vehicle adhering to council regulations.

Manchester is one of the world’s greatest cities. A city with a reputation for innovation, creativity, and a thriving regional economy.

The Development Compliance Team investigates breaches of planning control, including building work and changes of use where no planning permission has been granted. You will work as one of the senior members of the team, contributing to the performance objectives of the Planning service and helping shape this dynamic city.

This is a high profile, frontline service within the City Council. We are looking for a talented, ambitious person committed to Manchester and its vision. You will work with Planning Officers, Building Control Surveyors and Neighbourhood Officers to ensure development complies with approved plans and to pursue formal action when necessary.

About the Candidate

The role provides opportunities to work with varying issues, requiring initiative and professional judgement. As a senior team member, your experience will help guide others in the decision-making process to achieve desired outcomes.

You will collect evidence to the standard needed to pursue criminal prosecution, serve enforcement and related notices, and present evidence as the Council’s expert witness at Public Inquiries, Hearings, or Courts where necessary.

You should be able to read and interpret technical documents, drawings and legislation to carry out accurate site survey work. You should be comfortable working under limited supervision, dealing with complex planning matters and negotiations. You should be able to lead on projects and manage and supervise other team members in delivering the planning compliance function. You will hold a recognised Town Planning qualification with significant knowledge and experience in Development Management or Town Planning enforcement/compliance.

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential to undertake the full range of duties.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives.

Our vision, Our Manchester, guides everything we do and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours: listen and understand; work together and trust; value differences and treat each other fairly; own it and try new things; and be proud and passionate about Manchester.

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance: Up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Up to two extra weeks can be purchased.
• Pension: Enrolment in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme with life cover of up to three times salary.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave: Enhanced family leave options to support life events.
• Perks: Discounts through MCR+, plus reductions on phone contracts, cycle to work, flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
• Learn and grow: Learning opportunities from workshops to apprenticeships, with a comprehensive onboarding process.
• Good Employment Charter member: Commitment to secure, flexible work and fairness, with annual pay reviews and health and wellbeing support.
• Volunteering leave: Up to 3 days of paid volunteering leave pro-rated.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

• Interview adjustments available on request.
• Accessible formats: ReciteMe tool and accessibility options can be used on the careers page in the Accessibility tools section.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panel’s minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one criterion:

• Member of the Armed Forces or veterans
• Current or former care leaver
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• Completed the GM Elevate Programme or MCC positive action programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering: a workplace adjustment hub, disability and neurodiversity networks, and strong accessibility commitments.

For more information about the role or adjustments, please email jobs at manchester.gov.uk.

What we will need from you if you’re successful

In line with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. This is not a role eligible for Manchester City Council sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

Pre-Employment Checks

If successful, checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: documentary evidence (visa sponsorship is not guaranteed).
• References from current and previous employers.
• Proof of Qualifications relevant to the role.
• DBS Check where necessary.
• Proof of Manchester Residency, if required.
• Police Vetting for roles with access to sensitive information.
• BPSS Clearance for roles involving government data or assets.
• Driving Licence if the role requires driving.

These checks are part of our safety and security commitments.

Other relevant information

We aim to support staff with any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If a task is unachievable, we will consider redesigning parts of the role. For more information about the role, read the attached role profile.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI can support your application, but all content must be true and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of the application.

Calculate your take home pay and the privacy notice are provided for guidance purposes and should be consulted on the appropriate pages.