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- Tasks: Lead major planning projects and mentor a dynamic team in Kingston.
- Company: Join Kingston, one of London’s most vibrant boroughs with exciting growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to shape communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable growth and vibrant community development.
- Qualifications: Chartered RTPI membership and significant experience in planning and development management.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced and ambitious Principal Planner to take a leading role in shaping Kingston’s growth and development. As Deputy Team Leader, you’ll manage complex projects, mentor colleagues, and ensure our planning service delivers excellence across the borough.
From our historic riverside and vibrant market town to major regeneration schemes, Kingston is one of London’s most dynamic boroughs. You’ll play a key role in flagship projects, balancing heritage with innovation and creating sustainable, high-quality places for our communities.
What you’ll do:
- Lead on major planning projects and applications, ensuring compliance and quality outcomes.
- Review and sign off planning applications of all types (subject to delegation).
- Represent the service at Planning Committees and Neighbourhood Committees, supporting effective decision-making.
- Manage and mentor planners, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Drive service innovation and contribute to annual planning processes and performance targets.
- Deputise for senior officers, playing a key role in strategic planning and delivery.
What we’re looking for:
- Chartered membership (or eligibility) of the RTPI.
- Significant experience in Development Management or Planning Policy, including complex projects and strategic workstreams.
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to manage teams and influence at senior level.
- Comprehensive knowledge of planning legislation and local government operations.
- A proactive, customer-focused approach and commitment to Kingston’s STAR values: Supportive, Transparent, Appreciative, Respectful.
Join us and help shape Kingston’s future – delivering sustainable growth, vibrant communities, and a forward-thinking planning service in one of London’s most exciting boroughs.
Principal Planner in Kingston upon Thames employer: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Contact Detail:
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planner in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the planning field. Attend local events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements in planning. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this as a visual aid to demonstrate your skills and experience. It’s all about making a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Kingston, and express your interest in working with them. A well-crafted email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm and initiative.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. When you apply through our website, make sure to tailor your responses to reflect how you can contribute to Kingston’s vision and goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planner in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Development Management or Planning Policy. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Principal Planner and how you can contribute to shaping Kingston’s future.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Planner, you'll be managing teams and mentoring colleagues. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully influenced projects or decisions in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and innovation!
Know Your Stuff: Familiarise yourself with planning legislation and local government operations relevant to Kingston. Mentioning specific knowledge or experiences related to these areas in your application will show us that you're proactive and well-prepared for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning legislation and local government operations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or mentored colleagues in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership experience will demonstrate that you're ready to take on the Deputy Team Leader position.
✨Understand Kingston's Unique Context
Familiarise yourself with Kingston’s current projects and challenges. Showing that you understand the borough's dynamics and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Committee Representation
Think about how you would represent the planning service at committees. Be ready to discuss your approach to decision-making and how you would handle community engagement, as this is a key part of the role.
