Principal Planning Officer in Maidenhead

We have an exciting opportunity to join us as a Principal Planning Officer! This is a full-time permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £46,355 - £50,446 per annum (with the possibility to reach up to £55,120 per annum if significant experience can be demonstrated).

Why the Royal Borough

• This is a fantastic time to join an ambitious and forward‑thinking organisation in a place with centuries old connections to the crown.
• The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead comprises towns and villages that are strategically located in the heart of the Thames Valley on the M4 corridor, connected to both the GWR and Elizabeth Line.
• The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community.
• The Council values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations.

There Is

• Strategic and large allocated development sites
• Interesting, varied, and challenging workload at all levels
• Commitment to ensuring that future developments are at the forefront in terms of design quality, sustainability and maximising the provision of affordable housing in the Borough.
• Hybrid working – with flexibility
• Support from team leaders (2 DM Area teams and a Majors Team) and DM Manager
• The opportunity to develop and grow your career
• Easy access to and from London on the Elizabeth line
• A fantastic environment from the Wind in the Willows to The Crown

The Role

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our Planning Service as a Principal Planning Officer within one of our two Area Teams. You will play a key role in assisting the Team Leader in the day‑to‑day management of the Planning Service and ensuring an efficient and cost‑effective development management service for all our customers and stakeholders. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will deal with a wide range of applications, pre‑application enquiries and appeals. The role would include presenting items to the planning committee and acting as the Council witness in Hearing and Public Inquiries. A key part of this role would also include assisting and deputising for the Area Team Leader(s) including report checking, making delegated decisions and mentoring junior staff. If you are a qualified Planner with an up‑to‑date knowledge of planning law and have handled a wide range of all types of planning applications, as well as experience in submitting, presenting and managing planning appeals and deputising for the Team Leader, then we want to hear from you.

What We Offer

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including flexi leave and a hybrid working pattern for a better work‑life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary) and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities' employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Alison Long (DM North Area Team Leader) on alison.long@rbwm.gov.uk. We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.