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- Tasks: Lead major developments and manage complex planning applications across Buckinghamshire.
- Company: Buckinghamshire Council, a progressive local authority focused on sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hybrid working, and potential contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community outcomes and shape the future of Buckinghamshire.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning applications, strong negotiation skills, and a full driving licence.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy exposure to significant commercial and residential schemes.
The predicted salary is between 30 - 50 £ per hour.
Duration: Temporary for 4 months (with the potential for an extension)
Pay: £38ph (£50ph Umbrella)
Hours: 37 hours per week | Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm (flexible)
Location: Remote but requires regular county-wide site visits
Ready to lead on major developments and shape growth across Buckinghamshire? Pertemps Recruitment is proud to be working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council to recruit an experienced Principal Planner. This opportunity has arisen due to internal promotion, and the Council is seeking an experienced professional who can step straight into a high-profile caseload and provide immediate impact within the Development Management service.
The Role
The Principal Planner will be responsible for managing a complex caseload of planning applications, including major and allocated sites across residential and commercial developments. You will lead on non-statutory advice, Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs), and provide guidance through all stages of the planning process. You will engage with developers, professional agents, parish and town councils, local communities, senior officers, and other stakeholders, ensuring high-quality professional advice is delivered in a timely manner. Regular site visits across Buckinghamshire are an essential part of this role, so a full driving licence is required. This position also includes some supervisory responsibilities, supporting and mentoring junior officers, and deputising for the Planning Team Leader when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage complex planning applications, including major and allocated sites
- Provide professional planning advice and lead on Planning Performance Agreements
- Undertake Section 106 negotiations to secure developer contributions
- Prepare detailed reports recommending decisions for both delegated and committee applications
- Represent the Council in planning matters at public meetings, Parish Councils, and other stakeholder forums
- Supervise and support junior officers, including reviewing work and facilitating knowledge sharing
- Undertake regular site visits across the county to monitor developments
- Support the delivery of a customer-focused, commercially aware service
- Contribute to the achievement of the Planning and Environment Business Plan and performance targets
About You
We are looking for an experienced Principal Planner who can hit the ground running in a fast-paced local authority environment. You will have:
- Substantial experience managing complex planning applications in a local authority or similar setting
- Excellent knowledge of planning law, NPPF, TCPA, and local plan policies
- Strong negotiation, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience of supervising and mentoring junior staff
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet statutory deadlines
- Full driving licence (required for site visits)
- RTPI membership or working towards it
- Degree or equivalent in a relevant planning or built environment discipline
- Excellent communication skills for engaging with customers and stakeholders at all levels
Why Join?
Buckinghamshire Council: You’ll join a progressive planning service within a unitary authority built on being Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy. Your expertise will directly influence sustainable growth and community outcomes across the county. You can expect:
- A senior-level caseload with strategic impact
- Flexible hybrid working
- Exposure to significant commercial and residential schemes
- A professional and supportive team environment
- Potential contract extension
Pertemps: As a contractor with Pertemps — one of the UK’s largest independent recruitment agencies — you’ll receive dedicated consultant support and a trusted partnership approach throughout your assignment.
Principal Planner in Aylesbury employer: Pertmeps Warwick County Council
Contact Detail:
Pertmeps Warwick County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Aylesbury
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning field! Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience managing complex planning applications. Share specific examples of your successes and how you’ve navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand Buckinghamshire Council’s current projects and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their planning service.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the Principal Planner role! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at Buckinghamshire Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with complex planning applications. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication abilities. Use examples in your application that reflect how you've successfully managed relationships and provided professional advice in past roles.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: As this role involves supervising and mentoring junior officers, make sure to include any relevant leadership experience. We’re keen to see how you’ve supported others in your previous positions, so share those stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pertmeps Warwick County Council
✨Know Your Planning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planning law, NPPF, and local plan policies. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but can handle complex applications right off the bat.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's developers, local councils, or community members, demonstrating your negotiation and persuasion skills will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life planning situations. Think about how you would manage a complex application or lead a team of junior officers. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this role involves regular site visits and a flexible working environment, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time effectively. Share examples of how you've balanced multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in previous roles.