At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning decisions and mentor junior officers while shaping Rutland's built environment.
- Company: Join Rutland Council, a supportive team focused on sustainable development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, excellent pension, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Qualified in planning with strong IT skills and customer service focus.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a commitment to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are passionate about planning positively for Rutland’s sustainable development and are seeking an experienced Senior Planning Officer to join our Development Management team at a pivotal time. With major applications on the horizon and a renewed focus on service excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to lead on a mix of application types, mentor junior officers, and help shape the future of our built environment.
About you:
- Qualified in planning and with membership or eligibility of membership for the RTPI
- Confident, motivated and committed
- Strong IT skills, including familiarity with planning systems and GIS tools
- Detail orientated with a commitment to excellent customer service
- Sound knowledge of planning legislation, strong report-writing and communication skills, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- Experience in managing appeals, committee presentations, and stakeholder engagement is highly desirable
About the role:
- Deliver high-quality planning decisions
- Drive continuous improvement, and support the professional development of colleagues
- Manage a varied caseload, including strategic sites, heritage assets, and sensitive rural developments
- Provide clear, robust advice to applicants, stakeholders, and elected members
Join us in delivering a responsive, resilient planning service that supports Rutland’s communities and environment. Senior Planning Officer interviews will be held week commencing 20 April 2026. Exact date to be confirmed. Please be advised this could be subject to change, in which case we will give appropriate notice. We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis and inviting those who meet our essential person specification criteria to interview. If you’re interested in this role, we strongly encourage you to apply without delay.
Our offer to you:
Rutland Council is committed to Flexible Working and understands the benefits of supporting employees to manage their work and life balance, whilst meeting the needs of the service. We are committed to supporting and empowering our staff to be the best workers that they can be and Rutland Council is the place you want to be. Our benefits go beyond the salary – being part of a great team, excellent Local Government Pension, generous annual leave, opportunities to learn and develop your career, and a demonstrable commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff. Whilst the base for this post is Oakham, Rutland, the Local Authority offers a hybrid working practice. As well as working from home, we feel it is important that you have the opportunity to spend time in the workplace with your colleagues to help you learn, develop and engage.
Find out more:
To learn more about working with us visit https://jobs.rutland.gov.uk or if you have any queries about this role please contact Justin Johnson, Development Manager at jjohnson@rutland.gov.uk.
How to apply:
Click on the apply button which will redirect you to the Jobs Go Public (JGP site) where we handle all our vacancies. If you already have a JGP account you will be asked to login, or alternatively if you don’t have an account, you will be guided through the set up process. Access to an account is necessary, as all updates regarding your application will be sent via the JGP site to the email you have used to register. If you are experiencing problems or have any queries about the application process, please call us on 01572 758291 or email us at recruitment@rutland.gov.uk.
Please be aware that in the event of a high volume of applications, we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. All recruitment correspondence, including interview details, will be sent out via email from the Jobs Go Public site. If you require documentation/correspondence in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team.
Rutland County Council is committed to Equality and Diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Everyone at Rutland County Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults and for ensuring that they are protected from harm.
Senior Planning Officer (Development Management) in Oakham employer: Rutland County Council
Contact Detail:
Rutland County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Planning Officer (Development Management) in Oakham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the organisation before your interview. Research Rutland Council's recent projects and initiatives in sustainable development. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Planning Officer, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try explaining planning concepts to a friend or family member who isn’t familiar with the field to sharpen your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle specific planning challenges or stakeholder engagements. Having examples ready will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and experience in managing appeals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the team at Rutland Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Planning Officer (Development Management) in Oakham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Planning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainable development shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to positively impact Rutland's built environment.
Be Detail-Oriented: Make sure to highlight your attention to detail in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage a varied caseload and provide clear, robust advice, so don’t shy away from showcasing your report-writing skills!
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Planning Officer role. Mention your familiarity with planning systems and GIS tools, as well as any experience you have with stakeholder engagement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and processed efficiently. Plus, you’ll get all the updates about your application via email!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutland County Council
✨Know Your Planning Legislation
Brush up on the latest planning legislation and policies relevant to Rutland. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your IT Skills
Familiarise yourself with planning systems and GIS tools before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to manage applications or improve processes.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or managed appeals. Highlight your communication skills and collaborative approach to problem-solving during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Service Excellence
Be prepared to share how you’ve driven continuous improvement in previous roles. Discuss specific instances where you’ve provided excellent customer service and how that aligns with the council's values.