At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Area Team Manager and manage complex planning applications.
- Company: Join Stockport Council, committed to community and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while guiding and supporting others.
- Qualifications: Chartered RTPI member with experience in Development Management.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 58165 £ per year.
About the Role
As a Principal Planning Officer, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Area Team Manager and helping our Development Management service run smoothly. You’ll guide and support junior officers, share your expertise, and help create a positive, collaborative team environment. Alongside this, you’ll manage your own caseload of complex or sensitive applications, using your planning judgement to deliver clear, timely, and high‑quality decisions. You’ll work closely with colleagues, partners and residents, offering professional advice and helping us deliver development that genuinely benefits Stockport.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Area Team Manager and Development Management service operations.
- Guide and support junior planning officers.
- Manage a caseload of complex or sensitive planning applications.
- Deliver clear, timely, and high‑quality planning decisions.
- Work closely with colleagues, partners, residents, and stakeholders.
- Provide professional advice and contribute to community benefit.
About You
You’re someone who enjoys planning, people and problem‑solving in equal measure. You’re a chartered RTPI member with extensive experience in Development Management, and you feel confident supporting and guiding less experienced officers. You communicate openly, build strong relationships and stay calm when things get busy. You’re comfortable handling complex applications, negotiating solutions and offering clear, balanced advice in a political environment. You enjoy helping others grow, spotting opportunities to improve how things are done, and working as part of a supportive team.
Qualifications & Skills
- Chartered RTPI member.
- Extensive Experience in Development Management.
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Ability to manage complex applications and negotiations.
- Experience working in a political environment.
- Commitment to Stockport Council values: putting people first, working together, treating everyone with respect.
Additional Information
This post is politically restricted under the 1989 Local Government and Housing Act, and you must seek the council’s permission before taking up any additional appointments or positions. Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence, but this role does not currently qualify. We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex‑military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme, you will be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the “About You” or “Supporting Statement” section of your application. Please also email recruitment@stockport.gov.uk. For more information about this role, contact Suzanne Broomhead at Suzanne.broomhead@stockport.gov.uk for an informal discussion.
Commitment to Equality and Diversity
Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We aim to provide inclusive employment policies, inclusive staff engagement forums, and work to develop our diverse workforce.
Principal Planning Officer in Stockport employer: Stockport Council
Stockport Council is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work culture, offering a hybrid working model that balances office presence with homeworking. As a Principal Planning Officer, you will have the opportunity to guide and mentor junior officers while managing complex planning applications, all within a community-focused environment that values diversity and inclusion. With a commitment to employee growth and development, Stockport Council provides a platform for meaningful contributions to the local community, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking rewarding careers in planning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Officer in Stockport
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the planning field! Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge. Discuss your experience with complex applications and how you’ve guided junior officers. This will show them you’re the right fit for the Principal Planning Officer role.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research Stockport Council’s recent projects and challenges. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals and improve community benefits. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the positive, collaborative environment we value.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Officer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Planning Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on sharing your extensive experience in Development Management. We want to see how you've handled complex applications and supported junior officers, so give us some solid examples!
Communicate Clearly:Since strong communication is key for this role, ensure your written application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon where possible and make it easy for us to see your thought process and planning judgement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Development Management and the specific challenges faced in Stockport. Familiarise yourself with recent planning decisions and local policies, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll be guiding junior officers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported and developed others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative team environment and how you handle complex situations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you build relationships with colleagues, partners, and residents, and how you navigate political environments while providing balanced advice.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you've managed complex applications or negotiated solutions. Show how you approach challenges methodically and how your planning judgement leads to high-quality decisions.
