At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex planning applications and provide expert advice to applicants and teams.
- Company: Join an award-winning planning team in vibrant Salford, known for its innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, continuous service benefits, and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: Applications close on 20 July 2025; contact for informal chats is encouraged.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that shape the future of Salford and enhance your planning career.
- Qualifications: A planning degree and eligibility for Royal Town Planning Institute membership are required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to join an RTPI award winning planning team in the heart of Greater Manchester? We\'re currently looking to recruit a Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement) to join Salford\'s Development Management team on a permanent contract.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join our dynamic, innovative and welcoming planning team. Salford embraces change and growth. A thriving mix of modern and historic, it is full of ambition, opportunity, and innovation a place of natural beauty and diversity, with a proud cultural heritage.
Salford is a truly diverse city which provides the opportunity to be involved across the breadth of the planning spectrum. From high rise city centre development, to the internationally acclaimed Salford Quays and MediaCity, and from inner city regeneration to protection of the biodiversity heartland of Chat Moss, Salford offers a unique range of opportunities as you continue to develop your career.
About the Role
As Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement), you will manage a caseload of planning enforcement cases which will typically comprise more complex breaches of planning control, applying current legislation and policy as appropriate. Working alongside our other Principal Planning Officer (Enforcement), you will jointly be responsible for the day-to-day management and co-ordination of the work of the planning enforcement team. You will review recommendations of other members of the enforcement team and make decisions on a range of cases and their associated actions and recommendations under delegated authority on behalf of the council. You will work positively with perpetrators and their agents, and complainants, and legal colleagues, in order to find solutions and obtain high quality outcomes within given time constraints.
As a service which is always looking to innovate and excel, you will contribute towards identifying and delivering service improvements and will be part of a supportive team environment where collaboration and the sharing of ideas and knowledge is positively encouraged. Our Development Management team is at the forefront of pioneering innovation in terms of digital and technological service improvement in planning.
The council\'s offices are based in Swinton, and we offer a hybrid approach to flexible working which enables you to work remotely or from the office.
About you
Your style and approach will reflect our values: you will be passionate about what you do, always striving to improve things; valuing and respecting the contribution of others, you will work together to deliver a better service; you will take pride in always getting things right first time and learn from when things do go wrong; you will enjoy taking personal responsibility to resolve issues and change what you do and how you do it to make a difference.
You will be passionate about placemaking and adding value to proposals to secure high quality sustainable development and will be able to prioritise and manage a caseload of large-scale, complex and often high profile applications. You will have an excellent level of technical knowledge and understanding of current and emerging planning legislation and will possess the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, be well organised, efficient and have a positive attitude. You will also have a planning degree and be eligible to apply for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
Come and join us in building a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive Salford.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 22 March 2026.
Please submit a CV and covering expression of interest setting out why you wish to apply for this role.
If you would like to know more about the role or for an informal chat, please contact Gareth Clegg, Group Leader Development Management on / email or Anthony Stephenson, Group Leader Development Management on / email
Want to know more about Salford?
As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You\'ll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages
Continuous Service commitment
New employees can keep their service related benefits when moving between a whole host of public sector organisations within Greater Manchester, which include: Councils, NHS, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Transport for Greater Manchester, as well as many others under this scheme. Find out if this applies to you on our Continuous Service page..
Guaranteed Assessment Schemes
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application forms ask you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme, and so to find out more and if you qualify please visit our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme page..
Privacy Statement and Data Protection
Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council\'s primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at .
Principal Planning Officer in Salford employer: Salford Council
Join an award-winning planning team in the vibrant heart of Greater Manchester, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our work culture. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will benefit from a supportive environment that champions professional growth, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to engage with high-profile development projects that shape the future of Salford. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside unique benefits such as continuous service recognition and guaranteed assessment schemes, makes us an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in urban planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Salford's recent development projects and planning initiatives. Understanding the local context and specific challenges will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in the planning sector, especially those who have experience in Salford. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex planning applications and how you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current planning legislation and best practices in placemaking. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will demonstrate your commitment to high-quality sustainable development, aligning with Salford's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Principal Planning Officer. Focus on your achievements in managing complex planning applications and any experience you have with high-profile projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for placemaking and sustainable development. Clearly articulate why you want to join Salford's Development Management team and how your values align with theirs.
Showcase Technical Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of current and emerging planning legislation in your application. Mention specific examples where you've applied this knowledge in previous roles to secure high-quality developments.
Highlight Team Collaboration:Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively within a team. Provide examples of how you've supported junior colleagues or contributed to team projects, showcasing your commitment to sharing knowledge and improving service delivery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Principal Planning Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as managing complex applications and providing pre-application advice. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Placemaking
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for placemaking and sustainable development. Share examples from your past work where you contributed to high-quality developments or innovative planning solutions. This will demonstrate your commitment to the values of the organisation.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to current and emerging planning legislation. Brush up on relevant laws and regulations, and be ready to discuss how they apply to real-world scenarios. This will showcase your technical knowledge and ability to navigate complex planning issues.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience in working collaboratively within teams. Discuss how you have supported junior colleagues or contributed to team projects in the past. This aligns with the council's emphasis on teamwork and sharing knowledge, making you a more attractive candidate.
